HELLO TO EVERYONE. Well, this is the final chapter I'm afraid, but it's a
goodun! It covers the rest of the school term, I know, a bit quick, but I
really wanted to finish this story off so I can get back into my university
work! I WILL be writing a sequel though at some point. Thank you to
everyone who's read and reviewed this story, I appreciate all the feedback
I get. I just hope the ending will satisfy you all.
Harry stared at Draco, unable to comprehend him actually being there.
"Well I guess I'll invite myself in then," Draco said pushing past Harry.
"Malfoy! How on earth." Harry started to say.
"I'm here to negotiate," he replied smugly, walking through to the living room just as Ron and Lavender appeared on the stairs.
"What the.!" Ron exclaimed, "What's he doing here?" he asked, looking at Harry.
"What kind of a welcome is that?" Draco said, pretending to be insulted.
"What do you want?" Lavender asked in a quiet voice. He looked at her and went to reply but thought better of it. Seating himself in an armchair he motioned for them all to sit down. The three exchanged glances as they sat opposite him on the sofa.
"Where's the mudblood then?" Draco asked at Harry, "Had a fight already?" Harry glared at him, thinking if looks could kill, Draco would be lifeless in an instant.
"Well never mind her, I'm here to proposition you all," he began, taking on a serious voice now, "Thanks to a certain America witch, I have the power to ruin all your lives, which, I admit does seem appealing, but might I suggest an alternative?" They all looked at him, waiting for him to continue.
"In exactly 1 hour, my father will receive a phone call, from me, informing him of your little 'arrangement', that is if you decide to go against my proposal."
"Which is?" Ron said through gritted teeth.
"Which is," Draco continued, "that I have full use of this residence for the rest of holidays, day or night," he concluded, folding his arms. Ron jumped up from the sofa, using his whole body to threaten Draco.
"Harry I suggest we just beat this scum to a pulp," he said, clenching his fists.
"Ron!" Harry warned, holding him back, "I don't think that's the way to solve this."
"We have to agree with him," Lavender spoke up quietly. "Otherwise we're all done for." Ron and Harry stared at her not knowing how to react; it was her house after all, she ultimately had to make the decision.
"What's going on?" a voice spoke from the doorway. Draco looked up to see Hermione standing there, watching them all.
"Hello Granger," Draco sneered, "I was just explaining."
"I heard what you said Malfoy," she replied walking across the room past him to sit with Lavender. Harry glanced at her but she refused to meet his eye.
"If Lavender's agreed I don't see what you're still doing here," she told him directly. Taken back by her straightforward manner and authoritative voice, Draco remained silent.
"Well?" she demanded.
"Ok, I'll leave you for now, but I'll be back, I assure you," he warned them, heading for the door. They watched him walk out to the hall, as Lavender began to cry quietly. Ron went over to comfort her as Hermione stood to leave also.
"Hermione." Harry said following her out.
"You don't need to say anything Harry," she replied with a sad expression on her face, "I got your message clear enough."
"That's not what I." he began but she'd already disappeared into the library, closing the door behind her.
"Troubles?" Draco sneered standing at the front door.
"I thought you were leaving," Harry replied menacingly, pushing him out of the door.
"You don't want to upset me Potter," he called warningly as he turned to walk away. Harry slammed the door shut, cursing at the mess they were all in.
"What do you think he'll do?" Lavender asked them, tears in her eyes.
"He's full of talk," Ron replied, trying to convince himself as well, "He can't help making others miserable because he's miserable himself."
Harry looked in on Ron and Lavender, deciding to leave them alone for a bit. Hr hesitated before opening the library door, not sure how he was going to handle the situation with Hermione.
"'Mione," he said quietly, opening the door. The room was in partial darkness and all he could hear was a snivelling coming from the corner.
"Go away Harry!" she called through the shadows.
"I can't until we've sorted this," he replied gently, feeling his way across the room. He found her curled up in the corner, tears running down her face. "I'm sorry." he started to say, but she cut him off.
"Don't say it!" she cried at him, "It's my fault.it's me." her voice trailed off as Harry went to put his arms around her but she shied away from him.
"Hermione, I'm sorry for earlier, I was an idiot," he told her, trying to make her look at him, "I'm the one who's pushing and I know it's wrong."
"You don't understand!" she sobbed, hiding her face.
"I do, love and it's ok, we can wait, it's fine," he said, desperately trying to comfort her.
"No it's not ok!" she almost screamed, finally looking at him, "It's not ok," she said again, allowing her head to drop into Harry's lap. Harry couldn't for the life of him imagine why she was so upset; he'd said he was sorry, but she seemed to think it was her fault.
"Hermione, talk to me, help me understand," he said gently, cradling her in his arms. She looked up at him, searching his face for the kind, loving Harry that she'd fallen in love with; and she found him.
"Oh Harry," she sobbed, her body shaking, "I can't.it's.it's true."
"What's true?" he asked, distressed at her words.
"What he said," she replied looking away from him again. It dawned on Harry that perhaps she was taking about what had happened with Viktor.
"Hermione, is this about Viktor?" he asked gently. She looked at him again, tears still escaping down her cheeks as she nodded. "What did he say to you?" Harry asked, ready to kill him for causing her this much pain.
"He.after he.after I wouldn't," she started to say, "He.he said that I." she started to cry again, huge sobs as Harry tried to get the rest out of her. "He said.he said no one would ever want me," she told him in a whisper, "that I was just.just a frigid mudblood," she managed to say before another wave of tears escaped down her face. Harry could hardly contain his anger at what he'd just heard; 'first he tries it one with her, then he calls her that,' Harry thought furiously. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, as she buried her face in his chest.
"Hermione, you can't believe it," he said softly, "don't let him win."
"But after this morning," she cried looking up at him, "you acted the same way.it must be true!" Harry cursed himself for being so insensitive.
"I was an idiot," he replied tenderly, "Hermione, I love you more than you could ever imagine, and knowing that I've hurt you is unbearable."
"I love you too," she managed to say, "and you don't mind?" she asked nervously.
"Hermione, as long as I have you that's all that matters," Harry told her lovingly, "I couldn't bear to lose you now." They stayed that way, wrapped around each other until there was a quiet knock on the door.
"Harry? We need a word with you both," Lavender said.
"Ok, we'll be there in a minute," he replied looking at Hermione who nodded. Pulling her to her feet he kissed her tenderly on the forehead, turning her face up to meet his eyes. "I'll always be here for you," he told her carefully, "No thing else matters ok, nothing." She nodded and dried her eyes, as Harry took her hand.
"I don't see what else we can do," Lavender was saying as they sat around the dining room table.
"But then he wins!" Harry exclaimed, "That's what he wants."
"Harry, I don't see how we can stay," Hermione said forlornly, "It's best if we all go home, then Draco has nothing to hold against us."
"Yeah, and Lav can stay at mine for the rest of the hols," Ron suggested, "We'll think of an explanation for our parents, they never need to know the truth." Harry looked gloomily at them all; his perfect holiday with Hermione was ruined, all because Faith had told Malfoy about their plans; he cursed for Faith for her stupidity.
"Harry, my parents won't let me stay at school for the rest of the holidays," Hermione said putting a hand on his arm, "I'm sorry it's all been ruined." Harry sighed knowing it wasn't her fault.
"At least Malfoy will have got a surprise when he turned up and there was no one there," Ron laughed as he and Lavender sat in garden at The Burrow.
"Yeah, he's probably tried to turn us in, but he has absolutely no proof!" she laughed with him.
"I hope Harry's not too lonely at school though," Ron thought aloud, "I know how bummed he is at not being able to see Hermione."
"Mmm," Lavender replied, glad that she was able to be with Ron, but also sad for the others.
Hermione sat in her room, staring out of the window, counting down the days till school would begin again. Her and Harry had been sending owls to each other every day- poor Hedwig was tired out- but obviously it wasn't the same.
Harry sat in the Gryffindor common room, staring into the fire; he missed her so much that he ached without her. 'Only another 4 days though' be thought happily, wishing the days away.
SUMMER TERM.
"Harry!" Hermione screamed, running up the driveway into his arms. She'd jumped out of the carriage as soon as she'd seen him, not wanting to wait a second longer to be in his arms again. Harry buried his face in her hair as she hung onto him. He breathed in her scent, overwhelming him.
"Ron and Lavender are already back," Harry told her as they made their way up to the common room.
"Potter!" a voice snarled at them on the stairs, "If you think you've out- smarted me, think again."
"Shut up Malfoy," they said in unison, walking straight passed him without a backward glance. Draco frowned at how cosy they looked together, annoyed that he now had nothing he could use against them. They'd evidently made up after their little dispute back at Lavender's, Draco thought in annoyance.
"Hey, you're back!" Ron called, running to hug Hermione as she entered the common room with Harry.
"Yeah, and it's great to be back too," she smiled, taking Harry's hand again.
"Hey you guys," Seamus waved them over from where he was sat with Pavati.
"What happened here?" Harry asked, looking from Seamus to Pavati, noticing how comfortable they were with each other.
"It's amazing what 3 weeks can do isn't it?" Seamus replied, putting his arm around her.
"I know what you mean," Harry replied, looking from Hermione to Ron and Lavender as they all secretly grinned.
"How's Faith?" Seamus asked, getting a sour look from Pavati, "hey, I was only asking," he replied quickly.
"She's fine thanks Seamus," Hermione replied. She hadn't actually spoken to her, but she'd received a letter when she got home, where Faith confessed what she'd done, even though it was a bit late for apologies, but Hermione realised it was in the past, forgotten.
The following months sped by, and before anyone knew it, Hogwart's students were approaching their final week of school.
"I can't believe it's gone this quickly," Hermione complained as they sat about making plans for the holidays.
"I know, it seems like only yesterday that we were making plans for the Easter hols," Ron replied laughing. "Well at least you get me all summer, Harry," he continued, "Even if Hermione can only visit for the last week." Harry was going to be staying with Ron at The Burrow, but he was determined to see as much of Hermione as possible.
"Yeah, and with Floo powder I can see so much more of you," Harry said softly to Hermione as she lay with her head on his lap.
"Mmm," she murmured, falling asleep as she lay there.
"Harry?" Ginny suddenly piped up from the other sofa, "where will Hermione sleep when you all stay?" Harry glanced at Ron who grinned.
"I guess in your room," Harry replied.
"Oh," she said, blushing madly. She still had the tiniest crush on Harry, and she couldn't help but be jealous of Hermione.
Harry stood by the train looking back at the school; the others had already bordered, and Hermione was saving a carriage for them. He smiled as he remembered all that had happened in the past year. He'd fallen in the love with the most perfect girl he could imagine, and she loved him back. They may not have shared the most intimate act that a couple can share, but he realised there was no rush; when they were both ready it would happen; this he did know.
JULY: Harry's birthday
Hermione opened her eyes to gasp in surprise. The bed was entirely covered in rose petals, making a trail back to the door where they were stood.
"Harry!" she gasped, "It's your birthday, and I'm supposed to surprise you."
"Well I got there first," he replied, grinning from ear to ear.
"So.what do we do now?" she asked.
"Well traditionally I." he started to say but he didn't get any further as Hermione threw herself a him, kissing him with an urgency that surprised them both as she grabbed at his shirt to pull him closer. With one sweep of his arm, he lifted her onto the bed, crushing rose petals beneath them. He went to speak, but Hermione shook her head putting a finger to his lips.
"Don't say a word," she whispered as she pulled him down to her. Harry struggled with the buttons of her top, ripping the last few off in frustration, desperate for the feel of her skin against his. He kissed down her neck, and down between her breasts as she moaned beneath him, wanting him inside her. And when it happened it was all she could do to remember to breathe as Harry moved slowly in time with her, their bodies becoming one as he whispered into her ear how much he loved her.
As Hermione opened her eyes early the next morning, she couldn't quite remember where she was but turning on her side she saw Harry's sleeping body next to hers, and suddenly the memory of last night came back to her. She could hardly believe that it had happened; she'd expected to feel different, transformed somehow, but sitting up she saw her reflection in the mirror; the same old bushy, unmanageable hair and the same face that made her who she was.
"'Mione," Harry called sleepily, "You're letting all the cold in," he complained as she settled back into his arms.
"Are you ok?" he asked, stroking her hair and nuzzling at her nose. She smiled at him, loving the way he looked when he'd just woken up. "I didn't hurt you did I?" he asked in a worried voice.
"No, I'm fine," she replied kissing him back. "It wasn't quite how I expected it to be though," she added giggling nervously. Harry frowned, wishing she'd enjoyed it as much as he had.
"It's supposed to get better," he told her.
"I didn't mean that," she whispered with a small laugh, "I mean, I'm still me, I thought I'd feel different."
"As long as you're still my beautiful, smart girlfriend, I'm happy," he replied stroking her thigh.
"Harry!" Hermione replied pretending to be shocked, "I hope you're not suggesting we."
"I sure am!" he interrupted as he pinned her down to the bed, smothering her with kisses. And the second time was better, so much better, she thought as Harry cradled her in his arms.
"Well I guess I'll invite myself in then," Draco said pushing past Harry.
"Malfoy! How on earth." Harry started to say.
"I'm here to negotiate," he replied smugly, walking through to the living room just as Ron and Lavender appeared on the stairs.
"What the.!" Ron exclaimed, "What's he doing here?" he asked, looking at Harry.
"What kind of a welcome is that?" Draco said, pretending to be insulted.
"What do you want?" Lavender asked in a quiet voice. He looked at her and went to reply but thought better of it. Seating himself in an armchair he motioned for them all to sit down. The three exchanged glances as they sat opposite him on the sofa.
"Where's the mudblood then?" Draco asked at Harry, "Had a fight already?" Harry glared at him, thinking if looks could kill, Draco would be lifeless in an instant.
"Well never mind her, I'm here to proposition you all," he began, taking on a serious voice now, "Thanks to a certain America witch, I have the power to ruin all your lives, which, I admit does seem appealing, but might I suggest an alternative?" They all looked at him, waiting for him to continue.
"In exactly 1 hour, my father will receive a phone call, from me, informing him of your little 'arrangement', that is if you decide to go against my proposal."
"Which is?" Ron said through gritted teeth.
"Which is," Draco continued, "that I have full use of this residence for the rest of holidays, day or night," he concluded, folding his arms. Ron jumped up from the sofa, using his whole body to threaten Draco.
"Harry I suggest we just beat this scum to a pulp," he said, clenching his fists.
"Ron!" Harry warned, holding him back, "I don't think that's the way to solve this."
"We have to agree with him," Lavender spoke up quietly. "Otherwise we're all done for." Ron and Harry stared at her not knowing how to react; it was her house after all, she ultimately had to make the decision.
"What's going on?" a voice spoke from the doorway. Draco looked up to see Hermione standing there, watching them all.
"Hello Granger," Draco sneered, "I was just explaining."
"I heard what you said Malfoy," she replied walking across the room past him to sit with Lavender. Harry glanced at her but she refused to meet his eye.
"If Lavender's agreed I don't see what you're still doing here," she told him directly. Taken back by her straightforward manner and authoritative voice, Draco remained silent.
"Well?" she demanded.
"Ok, I'll leave you for now, but I'll be back, I assure you," he warned them, heading for the door. They watched him walk out to the hall, as Lavender began to cry quietly. Ron went over to comfort her as Hermione stood to leave also.
"Hermione." Harry said following her out.
"You don't need to say anything Harry," she replied with a sad expression on her face, "I got your message clear enough."
"That's not what I." he began but she'd already disappeared into the library, closing the door behind her.
"Troubles?" Draco sneered standing at the front door.
"I thought you were leaving," Harry replied menacingly, pushing him out of the door.
"You don't want to upset me Potter," he called warningly as he turned to walk away. Harry slammed the door shut, cursing at the mess they were all in.
"What do you think he'll do?" Lavender asked them, tears in her eyes.
"He's full of talk," Ron replied, trying to convince himself as well, "He can't help making others miserable because he's miserable himself."
Harry looked in on Ron and Lavender, deciding to leave them alone for a bit. Hr hesitated before opening the library door, not sure how he was going to handle the situation with Hermione.
"'Mione," he said quietly, opening the door. The room was in partial darkness and all he could hear was a snivelling coming from the corner.
"Go away Harry!" she called through the shadows.
"I can't until we've sorted this," he replied gently, feeling his way across the room. He found her curled up in the corner, tears running down her face. "I'm sorry." he started to say, but she cut him off.
"Don't say it!" she cried at him, "It's my fault.it's me." her voice trailed off as Harry went to put his arms around her but she shied away from him.
"Hermione, I'm sorry for earlier, I was an idiot," he told her, trying to make her look at him, "I'm the one who's pushing and I know it's wrong."
"You don't understand!" she sobbed, hiding her face.
"I do, love and it's ok, we can wait, it's fine," he said, desperately trying to comfort her.
"No it's not ok!" she almost screamed, finally looking at him, "It's not ok," she said again, allowing her head to drop into Harry's lap. Harry couldn't for the life of him imagine why she was so upset; he'd said he was sorry, but she seemed to think it was her fault.
"Hermione, talk to me, help me understand," he said gently, cradling her in his arms. She looked up at him, searching his face for the kind, loving Harry that she'd fallen in love with; and she found him.
"Oh Harry," she sobbed, her body shaking, "I can't.it's.it's true."
"What's true?" he asked, distressed at her words.
"What he said," she replied looking away from him again. It dawned on Harry that perhaps she was taking about what had happened with Viktor.
"Hermione, is this about Viktor?" he asked gently. She looked at him again, tears still escaping down her cheeks as she nodded. "What did he say to you?" Harry asked, ready to kill him for causing her this much pain.
"He.after he.after I wouldn't," she started to say, "He.he said that I." she started to cry again, huge sobs as Harry tried to get the rest out of her. "He said.he said no one would ever want me," she told him in a whisper, "that I was just.just a frigid mudblood," she managed to say before another wave of tears escaped down her face. Harry could hardly contain his anger at what he'd just heard; 'first he tries it one with her, then he calls her that,' Harry thought furiously. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, as she buried her face in his chest.
"Hermione, you can't believe it," he said softly, "don't let him win."
"But after this morning," she cried looking up at him, "you acted the same way.it must be true!" Harry cursed himself for being so insensitive.
"I was an idiot," he replied tenderly, "Hermione, I love you more than you could ever imagine, and knowing that I've hurt you is unbearable."
"I love you too," she managed to say, "and you don't mind?" she asked nervously.
"Hermione, as long as I have you that's all that matters," Harry told her lovingly, "I couldn't bear to lose you now." They stayed that way, wrapped around each other until there was a quiet knock on the door.
"Harry? We need a word with you both," Lavender said.
"Ok, we'll be there in a minute," he replied looking at Hermione who nodded. Pulling her to her feet he kissed her tenderly on the forehead, turning her face up to meet his eyes. "I'll always be here for you," he told her carefully, "No thing else matters ok, nothing." She nodded and dried her eyes, as Harry took her hand.
"I don't see what else we can do," Lavender was saying as they sat around the dining room table.
"But then he wins!" Harry exclaimed, "That's what he wants."
"Harry, I don't see how we can stay," Hermione said forlornly, "It's best if we all go home, then Draco has nothing to hold against us."
"Yeah, and Lav can stay at mine for the rest of the hols," Ron suggested, "We'll think of an explanation for our parents, they never need to know the truth." Harry looked gloomily at them all; his perfect holiday with Hermione was ruined, all because Faith had told Malfoy about their plans; he cursed for Faith for her stupidity.
"Harry, my parents won't let me stay at school for the rest of the holidays," Hermione said putting a hand on his arm, "I'm sorry it's all been ruined." Harry sighed knowing it wasn't her fault.
"At least Malfoy will have got a surprise when he turned up and there was no one there," Ron laughed as he and Lavender sat in garden at The Burrow.
"Yeah, he's probably tried to turn us in, but he has absolutely no proof!" she laughed with him.
"I hope Harry's not too lonely at school though," Ron thought aloud, "I know how bummed he is at not being able to see Hermione."
"Mmm," Lavender replied, glad that she was able to be with Ron, but also sad for the others.
Hermione sat in her room, staring out of the window, counting down the days till school would begin again. Her and Harry had been sending owls to each other every day- poor Hedwig was tired out- but obviously it wasn't the same.
Harry sat in the Gryffindor common room, staring into the fire; he missed her so much that he ached without her. 'Only another 4 days though' be thought happily, wishing the days away.
SUMMER TERM.
"Harry!" Hermione screamed, running up the driveway into his arms. She'd jumped out of the carriage as soon as she'd seen him, not wanting to wait a second longer to be in his arms again. Harry buried his face in her hair as she hung onto him. He breathed in her scent, overwhelming him.
"Ron and Lavender are already back," Harry told her as they made their way up to the common room.
"Potter!" a voice snarled at them on the stairs, "If you think you've out- smarted me, think again."
"Shut up Malfoy," they said in unison, walking straight passed him without a backward glance. Draco frowned at how cosy they looked together, annoyed that he now had nothing he could use against them. They'd evidently made up after their little dispute back at Lavender's, Draco thought in annoyance.
"Hey, you're back!" Ron called, running to hug Hermione as she entered the common room with Harry.
"Yeah, and it's great to be back too," she smiled, taking Harry's hand again.
"Hey you guys," Seamus waved them over from where he was sat with Pavati.
"What happened here?" Harry asked, looking from Seamus to Pavati, noticing how comfortable they were with each other.
"It's amazing what 3 weeks can do isn't it?" Seamus replied, putting his arm around her.
"I know what you mean," Harry replied, looking from Hermione to Ron and Lavender as they all secretly grinned.
"How's Faith?" Seamus asked, getting a sour look from Pavati, "hey, I was only asking," he replied quickly.
"She's fine thanks Seamus," Hermione replied. She hadn't actually spoken to her, but she'd received a letter when she got home, where Faith confessed what she'd done, even though it was a bit late for apologies, but Hermione realised it was in the past, forgotten.
The following months sped by, and before anyone knew it, Hogwart's students were approaching their final week of school.
"I can't believe it's gone this quickly," Hermione complained as they sat about making plans for the holidays.
"I know, it seems like only yesterday that we were making plans for the Easter hols," Ron replied laughing. "Well at least you get me all summer, Harry," he continued, "Even if Hermione can only visit for the last week." Harry was going to be staying with Ron at The Burrow, but he was determined to see as much of Hermione as possible.
"Yeah, and with Floo powder I can see so much more of you," Harry said softly to Hermione as she lay with her head on his lap.
"Mmm," she murmured, falling asleep as she lay there.
"Harry?" Ginny suddenly piped up from the other sofa, "where will Hermione sleep when you all stay?" Harry glanced at Ron who grinned.
"I guess in your room," Harry replied.
"Oh," she said, blushing madly. She still had the tiniest crush on Harry, and she couldn't help but be jealous of Hermione.
Harry stood by the train looking back at the school; the others had already bordered, and Hermione was saving a carriage for them. He smiled as he remembered all that had happened in the past year. He'd fallen in the love with the most perfect girl he could imagine, and she loved him back. They may not have shared the most intimate act that a couple can share, but he realised there was no rush; when they were both ready it would happen; this he did know.
JULY: Harry's birthday
Hermione opened her eyes to gasp in surprise. The bed was entirely covered in rose petals, making a trail back to the door where they were stood.
"Harry!" she gasped, "It's your birthday, and I'm supposed to surprise you."
"Well I got there first," he replied, grinning from ear to ear.
"So.what do we do now?" she asked.
"Well traditionally I." he started to say but he didn't get any further as Hermione threw herself a him, kissing him with an urgency that surprised them both as she grabbed at his shirt to pull him closer. With one sweep of his arm, he lifted her onto the bed, crushing rose petals beneath them. He went to speak, but Hermione shook her head putting a finger to his lips.
"Don't say a word," she whispered as she pulled him down to her. Harry struggled with the buttons of her top, ripping the last few off in frustration, desperate for the feel of her skin against his. He kissed down her neck, and down between her breasts as she moaned beneath him, wanting him inside her. And when it happened it was all she could do to remember to breathe as Harry moved slowly in time with her, their bodies becoming one as he whispered into her ear how much he loved her.
As Hermione opened her eyes early the next morning, she couldn't quite remember where she was but turning on her side she saw Harry's sleeping body next to hers, and suddenly the memory of last night came back to her. She could hardly believe that it had happened; she'd expected to feel different, transformed somehow, but sitting up she saw her reflection in the mirror; the same old bushy, unmanageable hair and the same face that made her who she was.
"'Mione," Harry called sleepily, "You're letting all the cold in," he complained as she settled back into his arms.
"Are you ok?" he asked, stroking her hair and nuzzling at her nose. She smiled at him, loving the way he looked when he'd just woken up. "I didn't hurt you did I?" he asked in a worried voice.
"No, I'm fine," she replied kissing him back. "It wasn't quite how I expected it to be though," she added giggling nervously. Harry frowned, wishing she'd enjoyed it as much as he had.
"It's supposed to get better," he told her.
"I didn't mean that," she whispered with a small laugh, "I mean, I'm still me, I thought I'd feel different."
"As long as you're still my beautiful, smart girlfriend, I'm happy," he replied stroking her thigh.
"Harry!" Hermione replied pretending to be shocked, "I hope you're not suggesting we."
"I sure am!" he interrupted as he pinned her down to the bed, smothering her with kisses. And the second time was better, so much better, she thought as Harry cradled her in his arms.