The Morning After

A/N: Thanks to all the people out there for sticking with me. I have been very lazy lately

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Neville awoke to find his arms around a soft female waist. His initial surprise was wasted as he found out that it was the object of his desires: Hermione. He looked at her angelic face as he relished the feel of her in his arms. The curve of her lips was enhanced by a lone sunbeam, playing through the curtains

But as the sun's rays penetrated the curtains, making the room lighten, he realized that he needed to be off. He was late for an appointment, the very appointment that was the cause for the turmoil he had felt yesterday.

Sighing in defeat, Neville slowly unwound his arms from Hermione, taking care not to wake her.

In her sleep, Hermione stirred. She sighed as some pressure was relieved around her belly but she wanted it there. It felt good. As she felt it leave, she moaned in protest, and tried to snuggle closer to it.

It was like she wanted him to keep his arms on her. Neville smiled as he extracted his arms from Hermione. Finally getting the job done, he walked towards the bathroom to get ready. As he turned one last time to look upon her face he then sighed in frustration. He couldn't leave her on the floor, it wouldn't do. So padding back to where Hermione was laying on the floor he gently picked her up and walked towards the bed.

Hermione felt as if she was flying through the air. The momentary feeling of vertigo caused her eyes to pop open.

"What are you doing?" she asked Neville as he took her to the bed.

"GAHH!" Neville stumbled in shock and fell towards the bed. Luckily, he had been just about to place Hermione on it. Neville tripped and threw Hermione on the bed, coming in a second after. He would have regained his balance had a certain mysterious hand poking through the floor not rolled up the rug for his foot to crash against.

Neville gasped as he landed on the bed on all fours, effectively caging Hermione.

"I thought you were asleep! Gah!"

"I was," Hermione stated, "until you picked me up from the floor."

In the back of her mind a little thought wiggled, Being held by Neville felt very familiar, but why? Has he ever held me in a previous time?

"Oh, uh, right." At this Neville blushed noticing the positions both he and Hermione were in.

One of her legs had ridden up his and when she had flown through the air she grabbed onto something to stabilize herself. That 'something' was Neville's shoulders.

After some uncomfortable moments, Neville spoke up.

"Um, well I have an appointment so I guess I'll see you at dinner then."

He made to get off the bed but he was pulled back by Hermione. Their faces inches apart Hermione looked into his eyes.

"Neville, is anything wrong? Last night, you almost attacked me and I heard you in your sleep. It was like you were in pain. Were you?" She searched his eyes, as if the answer would float up in the deep brown orbs like some crazy crystal ball of Trelawney's.

Neville closed his eyes and sighed.

"I'm sorry but I can't tell you. It's something that I'd rather keep to myself."

And with that he jumped up and went into the bathroom.

Hermione stared at the door with wide eyes. Well this was new. Back in Hogwarts, she had always listened to Neville's problems and she had been a close friend of his. Well now he wasn't confiding in her, in her chest she felt...

she felt...

hurt.

She sat back in the bed and sighed. She should be going, too. She had to go to Hogsmeade to shop for some supplies. She'd grab a bite to eat there so she could stay out of Grimmauld Place just a little longer.

In the shower Neville reviewed the info he had been given. He was to meet her in Hogsmeade at 8 am. And knowing 'Her' tolerance for tardiness, he had better not be late.

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