Authors Note: Thank you all for the reviews I really appreciate them. The
more reviews the more I post. Because when there are more review I know
people like the story. I know it might be a little confusing and slow. But
the plot is going to get better. If something confused you, please tell me
so I can explain. The next chapter is going to be a little more H/H action.
-x-
As the week followed, Hermione couldn't get the thought of Harry and the heirloom ring out of her mind. She noticed Lily Potter was talking with her parents on the day of the funeral; although, she didn't notice a ring on her finger; which was also odd. If she didn't have a ring on, then that would mean that Harry.... Hermione wouldn't allow herself to think about that, it was far too painful.
Saturday was the first board meeting. The thought of Harry being there alerted the sexual attraction still between them. But she couldn't think of that, after all, Harry could be planning marriage to someone else.
The decision to marry would have had to be a recent one, or else she would have known about it. Unless Harry needed someone to comfort him, he was Harry Potter after all; many women would throw themselves at him. She'd just have to wait until Saturday came. She vowed that she'd find out right from the horse's mouth herself. She didn't want to spend any time with Harry unless she knew.
Hermione didn't realize that she would miss Ariel Potter this much. Everyday she would floo Ariel and talk about S.P.E.W and the changes in the town. She wondered if she was ever a bother to the older woman.
Hermione's days have been busy ones; filled with many things to keep her hands tied to do at the library. Checking in the books everyday was such a hassle for the young woman. She ordered new books from various stores in London and even ordered books from Muggle shops. The Hogwarts students were also coming today for a visit of the new improved library; those were just a first page on a list of things to do for Hermione. She wanted everything to be perfect for them.
Everyday when Hermione finished up with her daily chores around the library and around the house, she would sit down at her small kitchen table and jot down ways to present the idea of adding a sculpture for the Hogsmeade Square.
When Hermione had married Draco Malfoy they decided to travel the world, traveling across Europe and most of North America. As they made their way across the world, Hermione stopped at many art museums, so she did have an image in mind about what kind of sculpture she wanted. She wanted something modern, like the work of Picasso. But had no idea how she would present the idea of putting one up in the town square.
When Saturday came, Hermione drove her pick up truck to the bank that morning, ready for the meeting. She picked up her pile of note, dropping them before she had a steady grip. She was a bundle of nerves this morning, for two reasons. She wore her hair in a tight bun; she also had her glasses on instead of her contacts in the hopes of making her seem more sophisticated. She also wore a dress, something she almost never did.
As she got out of her vehicle she noticed the already parked cars and recognized them immediately, except one that is a sporty little black Mustang, which was most likely Harry's car, considering nobody around here could afford that, except Harry.
"Hello, Hermione. Care for some coffee?" Dennis offered as he noticed her walk in. Hermione turned to him and smiled. Dennis was fair-haired like his wife Lavender, he had a sunburned face from his job, and small blue eyes.
"Thanks Dennis, I'm really nervous," Hermione admitted. Dennis wrapped a friendly arm around her shoulder.
"Don't worry, Lavender made me promise to back you up on your ideas. No matter what insane thing you have planned," Dennis said with a twinkle in his eye. Hermione laughed. She could picture Lavender chasing Dennis around the house with her wand in hand, threatening him if he didn't agree to help her.
"Thanks Dennis, but you don't have to be on my side. Besides, don't you want to agree with Neville, he does own this bank," Hermione pointed out.
"I'm not scared of him," Dennis Creevey said as he put on a mean face, flexing his nonexistent muscles.
Hermione gave him a big friendly smile. "Well I sure am," Hermione said with a giggle.
They walked together into the room, with the door marked Private. Her heart was pounding, because she knew on the other side of that door Harry would be there, and if she showed any sign of affection for him, she would already be in big trouble, especially, if he was engaged. So when she walked into the room she walked in with the most neutral face she could manage. As Hermione took her seat across the table from Harry, she noticed the dark green pull over he was wearing that echoed the color of his eyes. She wondered if she'd be able to concentrate on anything else but him, through this whole meeting.
"Alright, since everyone is here we might as well start this meeting," Harry said, starting the meeting. As Harry talked he didn't dare take a glance at Hermione. "I thought first we could talk about the way my grandmother wanted this board to be operated," Harry said as he passed around a packet of papers to each person there. "Ok, there are exactly 6 member of this board, and we each get a right to vote on the projects we would like to elect for this town. Well since Ariel Potter was Ariel Potter, she made this a little difficult, which is when we vote there is a chance of a tie."
Neville Longbottom shook his head in irritation. "And what happens when it's a tie?"
"Well that is on in the last paragraph. It basically says that when a tie is made you have ten days to figure out what is going to happen, either use the money or don't. If the conclusion is not made, then the money goes to the whole state not Hogsmeade."
"That's preposterous!" Neville shouted.
"That's Ariel Potter for you. I figure she did this in order to keep the money for Hogsmeade we'd have to work together," Vincent Crabbe said with a hint of laughter in his voice. Everyone always knew he had a soft spot for Ariel. "I think its great plan, I agree to it."
"As do I," Dennis added putting his packet in the middle of the table.
"What about you Owen?" Harry asked.
"Yes, you can count on my vote," answered Owen Cauldwell.
With a stern look on his face Neville agreed to the plan also. Now all who was left to agree was Hermione.
"What about you Hermione, are you in?" Harry asked while everyone started at her.
She didn't answer. She was too busy thinking about the way Ariel had set this whole thing up. There was a reason she chose the people she did. She knew that Neville and Owen would be on the same side always, and she knew that Dennis and Vincent could always be persuaded onto her side. And that left Harry, if he joined with the other, it'd be a tie. That left Hermione to find a way to figure out a way to make Harry see that her ideas for Hogsmeade were great, which also meant she'd have to spend time with him, even if he was getting married.
"Hermione?" Harry asked again, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"I'm in," Hermione finally replied. "Alright then, since everyone has agreed to the terms I suggest we make a list of projects we want to start this year," Harry said. "We need better street lamps, The Three Broomstick's has a leaky roof, and the Owl Post needs new cages...," Neville rattled off as soon as Harry had stopped speaking.
"Not so fast Mr. Longbottom," Harry smiled. "Does anyone else have any ideas?"
"The Shrinking Shack needs major repairs," Piped in Owen Cauldwell. Everyone agreed.
After about 15 minutes of discussing what was to be and what had to be done with the money, Harry turned to Hermione. Hermione hadn't said a word since Harry had stopped talking.
"What about you Hermione, can you think of anything that should be added to the list?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked up at him, a blush spreading across her cheeks. "Well, yes, yes I do," Hermione said as she quickly glanced at her notes even though she probably had them memorized by now. "I think we need a sculpture representing elf right in the town square."
"I've heard about this before, you and your spew club, nothing but nonsense," Neville groaned.
"S.P.E.W!" Hermione shouted. "And its not nonsense, elves need rights too; their just like anybody else in this world."
Harry laughed to himself, remembering his school days when S.P.E.W was the only thing Hermione would talk about. It drove him and Ron nutters at times, but they didn't dare tell her that, for the sake of their own lives.
"I don't think added a sculpture to the town is a good investment, there are other important things needed and spending money on something worthless is not going to help," Owen added.
"I disagree; sticking up for people is what's important. If a picked a sculpture that didn't cost a lot there would still be money left for the other necessities," Hermione explained.
Harry cleared his throat, getting everyone attention. "Alright, well I advise everyone to write down the ideas you want to stick with, and we'll all say them, and then figure out what we're keeping."
As five minutes passed they were ready to discuss it.
"Well, I got Hermione's idea on my list," Vincent announced.
"Me too," Dennis added.
"Well, so to I," Harry said, which shocked Hermione the most. "You can have 500 galleons to spent over the sculpture, but Hermione, you have to show us first so we all agree on what type of sculpture you choose." "What kind of sculpture do you want Hermione?" Dennis asked.
"Well, uh, I -" Hermione started but was soon interrupted.
"It would make us all feel a lot better if you had a supervisor with you," Neville said.
"A supervisor? For what?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah Hermione, it would all make us feel better about the statue chosen," Owen added.
"Why doesn't Harry be the supervisor, after all he does live in London and it seems like he has good taste," Dennis said as he smiled also.
"Sure, I'd love to do that," Harry replied, ignoring the way Hermione was shaking her head.
"I don't -" Hermione tried to argue.
"It would make us all feel better Hermione," Neville said smoothing out his mustache.
"Well in that case, I'd love to bring Harry along!" Hermione said, as she also wanted to rip it right off his face. "Well, when do you plan on going, Hermione?" Vincent asked.
"Uh... after Halloween maybe." Hermione replied, and then looked at Harry. "Or, if that's not convenient for you Harry, we can work something else out."
"First week of November sounds good to me," Harry said gladly.
After some more light talking. People started pushing their chairs out and gathering their belongings. As everyone said their goodbyes to Harry and left, Hermione waited until she was the last one.
"Could I speak with you before you head back to London?" Hermione asked nervously.
"Yes, of course. But I'm not leaving yet. Neville and Padma asked me ever for dinner," Harry replied.
"That's nice," Hermione said, knowing they'd ask him to come for dinner, bribe him no doubt. "Well maybe you'd like to stop by the library so we can talk before you leave town?"
"Yeah, I've love too," Harry said looking into her eyes.
They stopped talking for a moment, just staring at each other. And at the moment, Harry felt the first sign of dim awareness of the man and woman they were becoming. Hermione couldn't help feeling the yearning for him; of course she always felt it. Hermione gave him one quick wave, and departed out of the building. Hermione groaned as she pulled into the parking lot of her home. Right next door, which was her library, had a long line of people. Then it hit her, today was Saturday, the book sell.
"Thanks for coming everyone. Just let me run inside to get changed," Hermione announced going to her house to change her dress into something more comfortable.
A few minutes later Hermione emerged through the door only to spot a larger crowd and a little black mustang parking in front of the library. "I can't believe there are this many people today!" Hermione said as she groaned. Yes, of course she was happy for the sales, but today was a busy day. And of course Harry was here.
"You look a little busy there. Need a hand?" Harry offered, while touching her shoulder. Hermione jumped slightly, at the feel of his hand, and his unknown presence behind her.
"Oh, don't be silly Harry. I can mange," she said giving the little girl in front of her 2 knuts.
"Yes, I'm sure you can," Harry laughed, taking the 2 knuts from and girl and replacing them with 4 sickles.
"Oh," Hermione blushed madly at her stupidity and nervousness. "Thanks you Harry, I appreciate it; but I didn't ask you out here to work."
"I wouldn't consider this work Hermione," Harry said. Well of course he wouldn't! She thought. He was after all, a city boy now.
"You should be grateful such a young man has offered to help, after all many wouldn't give it the time of day on such a beautiful afternoon," piped in a lady buying a book on Cleaning Spells.
Hermione thought about that for a moment, it was true. After all, Draco was one to disappear when it came to chores, and one day he just disappeared for good.
They worked nonstop for about an hour. Hermione wondered if Harry had the same excitement when they brushed against each other while waiting on customers. What was she saying! Of course he didn't, he was after all engaged, wasn't he? She wondered if he was wrong to want a man who was already taken. But that wasn't it, she did always want him in school, he just didn't share her fervor. If he did they would have been married by now.
Married to Harry, just the thought sent a glint into her eyes. After all being married to Harry would have been different from marrying Draco, midway through there six-year marriage, she admitted Draco just didn't excite her...sexually, but it wasn't his fault. He just wasn't Harry. If only she was more of an exciting lover, Draco probably wouldn't have left. But after the divorce, his reputation was blown. It was no wonder he headed for Spain.
"Hermione, 5 galleons," Harry repeated for the 5th time. Hermione blushed gathering the money while Harry leaned close to her ear.
"Where'd you go?" Harry asked, noticing her little trip though the dream world in this time of day.
Thinking of you, thinking of sex, Hermione instantly thought. "Daydreaming sorry."
"Well don't look now, but we haven't had a customer pull up for about 5 minutes. Well, I really wanted to talk to you," Harry said.
Hermione inhaled a deep breath, he was going to talk about his engagement, and she could feel it.
"How is life here in Hogsmeade?" Harry asked.
"It's nice. I'm just a small town girl at heart," Hermione said.
"Don't you miss the traveling?" Harry asked.
"Not really. It was great, just not for so long at a time. Besides my life is here," she stated.
"Don't you get lonely?"
Hermione flinched from such a imitate question. What right did he have asking her that? "No, not really," She lied. She regretted talking now, but she had to finish this so it would all be over.
"Look Harry. I'm sorry that they dragged you into this sculpture thing. You don't have to come with me to the galleries. Under the circumstances I should do this alone. I don't want you to have to baby-sit me. I'd let you see the sculpture after I find it, of course."
Harry stopped playing with his thumbs and looked at her? "Circumstances? Why would I think of it as babysitting?" "You have a life Harry, work, friends..." Just say it Hermione! She screamed to herself. "I don't want to be a bother."
Harry gave a bemused laugh. "You wouldn't be a bother."
"Look Harry, I know your mother is not wearing her ring anymore. I assumed you're engaged, so I don't want to intrude when you are in the middle of wedding plan! Now do you understand?"
"Yes, but you don't. Yes my mother gave me the ring. But I'm not getting married. She gave if to me because...."
"Why!" Hermione's heart was racing.
"Never mind that, just because. Look do you want to stay at the Palmer House? I can get you a good discount with my company."
"I...I don't know what to say Harry. "
"That'd really be a first."
"Harry stop, I've been thinking you were engaged this whole time, and the last thing I need is your jokes."
"Oh?" Harry started at her.
Hermione mentally hit herself. He was bound to know how she felt about him, she practically gave herself away. Hermione couldn't think of anything to stay to take back her words. In anyway he wouldn't let her.
He leaned closer to her, his green eyes peering into her soul. Just that look made her tremble with desire. She had never wanted him so much, and she dreaded that he knew it.
"What do you need from me, Hermione?" His voice was deep and controlled.
-x-
Please Review
-x-
As the week followed, Hermione couldn't get the thought of Harry and the heirloom ring out of her mind. She noticed Lily Potter was talking with her parents on the day of the funeral; although, she didn't notice a ring on her finger; which was also odd. If she didn't have a ring on, then that would mean that Harry.... Hermione wouldn't allow herself to think about that, it was far too painful.
Saturday was the first board meeting. The thought of Harry being there alerted the sexual attraction still between them. But she couldn't think of that, after all, Harry could be planning marriage to someone else.
The decision to marry would have had to be a recent one, or else she would have known about it. Unless Harry needed someone to comfort him, he was Harry Potter after all; many women would throw themselves at him. She'd just have to wait until Saturday came. She vowed that she'd find out right from the horse's mouth herself. She didn't want to spend any time with Harry unless she knew.
Hermione didn't realize that she would miss Ariel Potter this much. Everyday she would floo Ariel and talk about S.P.E.W and the changes in the town. She wondered if she was ever a bother to the older woman.
Hermione's days have been busy ones; filled with many things to keep her hands tied to do at the library. Checking in the books everyday was such a hassle for the young woman. She ordered new books from various stores in London and even ordered books from Muggle shops. The Hogwarts students were also coming today for a visit of the new improved library; those were just a first page on a list of things to do for Hermione. She wanted everything to be perfect for them.
Everyday when Hermione finished up with her daily chores around the library and around the house, she would sit down at her small kitchen table and jot down ways to present the idea of adding a sculpture for the Hogsmeade Square.
When Hermione had married Draco Malfoy they decided to travel the world, traveling across Europe and most of North America. As they made their way across the world, Hermione stopped at many art museums, so she did have an image in mind about what kind of sculpture she wanted. She wanted something modern, like the work of Picasso. But had no idea how she would present the idea of putting one up in the town square.
When Saturday came, Hermione drove her pick up truck to the bank that morning, ready for the meeting. She picked up her pile of note, dropping them before she had a steady grip. She was a bundle of nerves this morning, for two reasons. She wore her hair in a tight bun; she also had her glasses on instead of her contacts in the hopes of making her seem more sophisticated. She also wore a dress, something she almost never did.
As she got out of her vehicle she noticed the already parked cars and recognized them immediately, except one that is a sporty little black Mustang, which was most likely Harry's car, considering nobody around here could afford that, except Harry.
"Hello, Hermione. Care for some coffee?" Dennis offered as he noticed her walk in. Hermione turned to him and smiled. Dennis was fair-haired like his wife Lavender, he had a sunburned face from his job, and small blue eyes.
"Thanks Dennis, I'm really nervous," Hermione admitted. Dennis wrapped a friendly arm around her shoulder.
"Don't worry, Lavender made me promise to back you up on your ideas. No matter what insane thing you have planned," Dennis said with a twinkle in his eye. Hermione laughed. She could picture Lavender chasing Dennis around the house with her wand in hand, threatening him if he didn't agree to help her.
"Thanks Dennis, but you don't have to be on my side. Besides, don't you want to agree with Neville, he does own this bank," Hermione pointed out.
"I'm not scared of him," Dennis Creevey said as he put on a mean face, flexing his nonexistent muscles.
Hermione gave him a big friendly smile. "Well I sure am," Hermione said with a giggle.
They walked together into the room, with the door marked Private. Her heart was pounding, because she knew on the other side of that door Harry would be there, and if she showed any sign of affection for him, she would already be in big trouble, especially, if he was engaged. So when she walked into the room she walked in with the most neutral face she could manage. As Hermione took her seat across the table from Harry, she noticed the dark green pull over he was wearing that echoed the color of his eyes. She wondered if she'd be able to concentrate on anything else but him, through this whole meeting.
"Alright, since everyone is here we might as well start this meeting," Harry said, starting the meeting. As Harry talked he didn't dare take a glance at Hermione. "I thought first we could talk about the way my grandmother wanted this board to be operated," Harry said as he passed around a packet of papers to each person there. "Ok, there are exactly 6 member of this board, and we each get a right to vote on the projects we would like to elect for this town. Well since Ariel Potter was Ariel Potter, she made this a little difficult, which is when we vote there is a chance of a tie."
Neville Longbottom shook his head in irritation. "And what happens when it's a tie?"
"Well that is on in the last paragraph. It basically says that when a tie is made you have ten days to figure out what is going to happen, either use the money or don't. If the conclusion is not made, then the money goes to the whole state not Hogsmeade."
"That's preposterous!" Neville shouted.
"That's Ariel Potter for you. I figure she did this in order to keep the money for Hogsmeade we'd have to work together," Vincent Crabbe said with a hint of laughter in his voice. Everyone always knew he had a soft spot for Ariel. "I think its great plan, I agree to it."
"As do I," Dennis added putting his packet in the middle of the table.
"What about you Owen?" Harry asked.
"Yes, you can count on my vote," answered Owen Cauldwell.
With a stern look on his face Neville agreed to the plan also. Now all who was left to agree was Hermione.
"What about you Hermione, are you in?" Harry asked while everyone started at her.
She didn't answer. She was too busy thinking about the way Ariel had set this whole thing up. There was a reason she chose the people she did. She knew that Neville and Owen would be on the same side always, and she knew that Dennis and Vincent could always be persuaded onto her side. And that left Harry, if he joined with the other, it'd be a tie. That left Hermione to find a way to figure out a way to make Harry see that her ideas for Hogsmeade were great, which also meant she'd have to spend time with him, even if he was getting married.
"Hermione?" Harry asked again, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"I'm in," Hermione finally replied. "Alright then, since everyone has agreed to the terms I suggest we make a list of projects we want to start this year," Harry said. "We need better street lamps, The Three Broomstick's has a leaky roof, and the Owl Post needs new cages...," Neville rattled off as soon as Harry had stopped speaking.
"Not so fast Mr. Longbottom," Harry smiled. "Does anyone else have any ideas?"
"The Shrinking Shack needs major repairs," Piped in Owen Cauldwell. Everyone agreed.
After about 15 minutes of discussing what was to be and what had to be done with the money, Harry turned to Hermione. Hermione hadn't said a word since Harry had stopped talking.
"What about you Hermione, can you think of anything that should be added to the list?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked up at him, a blush spreading across her cheeks. "Well, yes, yes I do," Hermione said as she quickly glanced at her notes even though she probably had them memorized by now. "I think we need a sculpture representing elf right in the town square."
"I've heard about this before, you and your spew club, nothing but nonsense," Neville groaned.
"S.P.E.W!" Hermione shouted. "And its not nonsense, elves need rights too; their just like anybody else in this world."
Harry laughed to himself, remembering his school days when S.P.E.W was the only thing Hermione would talk about. It drove him and Ron nutters at times, but they didn't dare tell her that, for the sake of their own lives.
"I don't think added a sculpture to the town is a good investment, there are other important things needed and spending money on something worthless is not going to help," Owen added.
"I disagree; sticking up for people is what's important. If a picked a sculpture that didn't cost a lot there would still be money left for the other necessities," Hermione explained.
Harry cleared his throat, getting everyone attention. "Alright, well I advise everyone to write down the ideas you want to stick with, and we'll all say them, and then figure out what we're keeping."
As five minutes passed they were ready to discuss it.
"Well, I got Hermione's idea on my list," Vincent announced.
"Me too," Dennis added.
"Well, so to I," Harry said, which shocked Hermione the most. "You can have 500 galleons to spent over the sculpture, but Hermione, you have to show us first so we all agree on what type of sculpture you choose." "What kind of sculpture do you want Hermione?" Dennis asked.
"Well, uh, I -" Hermione started but was soon interrupted.
"It would make us all feel a lot better if you had a supervisor with you," Neville said.
"A supervisor? For what?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah Hermione, it would all make us feel better about the statue chosen," Owen added.
"Why doesn't Harry be the supervisor, after all he does live in London and it seems like he has good taste," Dennis said as he smiled also.
"Sure, I'd love to do that," Harry replied, ignoring the way Hermione was shaking her head.
"I don't -" Hermione tried to argue.
"It would make us all feel better Hermione," Neville said smoothing out his mustache.
"Well in that case, I'd love to bring Harry along!" Hermione said, as she also wanted to rip it right off his face. "Well, when do you plan on going, Hermione?" Vincent asked.
"Uh... after Halloween maybe." Hermione replied, and then looked at Harry. "Or, if that's not convenient for you Harry, we can work something else out."
"First week of November sounds good to me," Harry said gladly.
After some more light talking. People started pushing their chairs out and gathering their belongings. As everyone said their goodbyes to Harry and left, Hermione waited until she was the last one.
"Could I speak with you before you head back to London?" Hermione asked nervously.
"Yes, of course. But I'm not leaving yet. Neville and Padma asked me ever for dinner," Harry replied.
"That's nice," Hermione said, knowing they'd ask him to come for dinner, bribe him no doubt. "Well maybe you'd like to stop by the library so we can talk before you leave town?"
"Yeah, I've love too," Harry said looking into her eyes.
They stopped talking for a moment, just staring at each other. And at the moment, Harry felt the first sign of dim awareness of the man and woman they were becoming. Hermione couldn't help feeling the yearning for him; of course she always felt it. Hermione gave him one quick wave, and departed out of the building. Hermione groaned as she pulled into the parking lot of her home. Right next door, which was her library, had a long line of people. Then it hit her, today was Saturday, the book sell.
"Thanks for coming everyone. Just let me run inside to get changed," Hermione announced going to her house to change her dress into something more comfortable.
A few minutes later Hermione emerged through the door only to spot a larger crowd and a little black mustang parking in front of the library. "I can't believe there are this many people today!" Hermione said as she groaned. Yes, of course she was happy for the sales, but today was a busy day. And of course Harry was here.
"You look a little busy there. Need a hand?" Harry offered, while touching her shoulder. Hermione jumped slightly, at the feel of his hand, and his unknown presence behind her.
"Oh, don't be silly Harry. I can mange," she said giving the little girl in front of her 2 knuts.
"Yes, I'm sure you can," Harry laughed, taking the 2 knuts from and girl and replacing them with 4 sickles.
"Oh," Hermione blushed madly at her stupidity and nervousness. "Thanks you Harry, I appreciate it; but I didn't ask you out here to work."
"I wouldn't consider this work Hermione," Harry said. Well of course he wouldn't! She thought. He was after all, a city boy now.
"You should be grateful such a young man has offered to help, after all many wouldn't give it the time of day on such a beautiful afternoon," piped in a lady buying a book on Cleaning Spells.
Hermione thought about that for a moment, it was true. After all, Draco was one to disappear when it came to chores, and one day he just disappeared for good.
They worked nonstop for about an hour. Hermione wondered if Harry had the same excitement when they brushed against each other while waiting on customers. What was she saying! Of course he didn't, he was after all engaged, wasn't he? She wondered if he was wrong to want a man who was already taken. But that wasn't it, she did always want him in school, he just didn't share her fervor. If he did they would have been married by now.
Married to Harry, just the thought sent a glint into her eyes. After all being married to Harry would have been different from marrying Draco, midway through there six-year marriage, she admitted Draco just didn't excite her...sexually, but it wasn't his fault. He just wasn't Harry. If only she was more of an exciting lover, Draco probably wouldn't have left. But after the divorce, his reputation was blown. It was no wonder he headed for Spain.
"Hermione, 5 galleons," Harry repeated for the 5th time. Hermione blushed gathering the money while Harry leaned close to her ear.
"Where'd you go?" Harry asked, noticing her little trip though the dream world in this time of day.
Thinking of you, thinking of sex, Hermione instantly thought. "Daydreaming sorry."
"Well don't look now, but we haven't had a customer pull up for about 5 minutes. Well, I really wanted to talk to you," Harry said.
Hermione inhaled a deep breath, he was going to talk about his engagement, and she could feel it.
"How is life here in Hogsmeade?" Harry asked.
"It's nice. I'm just a small town girl at heart," Hermione said.
"Don't you miss the traveling?" Harry asked.
"Not really. It was great, just not for so long at a time. Besides my life is here," she stated.
"Don't you get lonely?"
Hermione flinched from such a imitate question. What right did he have asking her that? "No, not really," She lied. She regretted talking now, but she had to finish this so it would all be over.
"Look Harry. I'm sorry that they dragged you into this sculpture thing. You don't have to come with me to the galleries. Under the circumstances I should do this alone. I don't want you to have to baby-sit me. I'd let you see the sculpture after I find it, of course."
Harry stopped playing with his thumbs and looked at her? "Circumstances? Why would I think of it as babysitting?" "You have a life Harry, work, friends..." Just say it Hermione! She screamed to herself. "I don't want to be a bother."
Harry gave a bemused laugh. "You wouldn't be a bother."
"Look Harry, I know your mother is not wearing her ring anymore. I assumed you're engaged, so I don't want to intrude when you are in the middle of wedding plan! Now do you understand?"
"Yes, but you don't. Yes my mother gave me the ring. But I'm not getting married. She gave if to me because...."
"Why!" Hermione's heart was racing.
"Never mind that, just because. Look do you want to stay at the Palmer House? I can get you a good discount with my company."
"I...I don't know what to say Harry. "
"That'd really be a first."
"Harry stop, I've been thinking you were engaged this whole time, and the last thing I need is your jokes."
"Oh?" Harry started at her.
Hermione mentally hit herself. He was bound to know how she felt about him, she practically gave herself away. Hermione couldn't think of anything to stay to take back her words. In anyway he wouldn't let her.
He leaned closer to her, his green eyes peering into her soul. Just that look made her tremble with desire. She had never wanted him so much, and she dreaded that he knew it.
"What do you need from me, Hermione?" His voice was deep and controlled.
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