A/N: Sorry for taking so long in getting this chapter up. I had a little
more for this, but I guess I'll add it in the next chapter. Thanks for your
patients and please remember to review.
-x-
Chapter 4 - Things Aren't The Same
"I don't understand what you're talking about," Hermione said as she also tried to swallow, even though her throat was dry.
"The hell you don't," Harry snapped.
"Things are different now Harry, a lot has happened between us," Hermione said without reacting the way Harry did.
"And a lot hasn't," Harry retorted sharply. "I'm not the same girl you dated at Hogwarts," Hermione said, while her heart was pounding, blood flowing in her ears, and also she knew his words had hurt where it hurt the most; Harry was quite clear.
"I know you're not Hermione, and I'm hardly the same man," Harry replied.
Hermione studied his face; so familiar, yet so unknown. There were eight years of experience behind those green eyes shielded by his glasses; experience she never had. She knew there had been women, of course there had. Knowing Harry, his relationships had been genuine, passionate and consummated.
Hermione wondered how well he remembered those nights after a Quidditch match, when they'd sneak into the shinking shack and tempted each other, veering away from the forbidden pleasures about to take place. They were adults now, nothing was forbidden.
Since those thoughts were placed into her mind, she was not one bit surprised when he guided her out of her chair, until they were standing, staring into each others eyes. Carefully he took off her own fake glasses, which he hated when she wore them, as he framed her face with his hands.
"Tell me what you need," Harry whispered, his eyes burning with his own desire.
"Maybe I don't know yet," Hermione murmured trembling by the sound of his voice and the way he was looking at her.
"Then maybe we can find out," Harry said as Harry lowered his head while Hermione closed her eyes. She was catapulted back into those long ago day of loving Harry as his mouth softly caressed hers. At first his touch was agonizingly familiar, and she could have been 16 again, sharing their fist kiss, and declaring their undying love for each other. But soon his embrace because less hesitant, and the exploration of it tongue was more demanding. As her more mature emotions pumped through her, she realized that both their innocence was gone forever.
So with some effort at self control, she pulled away from his lips and embrace. "We can't do this; we're in front of the library, anyone could come by." "Then let's go inside," Harry said as he heavily panted.
"This is to fast, "Hermione said shaking her head.
"Too fast?" Harry laughed. "That's true, I've only known you for fifteen years."
"We've been apart Harry, there is much needed catching up to do," Hermione said.
"I think we about just caught up," Harry reminded.
"Harry, I just don't want to make anymore mistakes," Hermione said.
After a moment, Harry's expression became very caution he whispered, "Neither do I."
"Maybe my trip to London can give us a change to get to know each other again," Hermione suggested. "Sounds good," Harry said.
"Harry, I can't help the way I respond. I've always-" Hermione said, becoming frustrated. "But there are other important things, don't you agree Harry?"
Harry gave a grunt laugh. "You're asking me? Some how I think those lines have been reversed from a conversation we had years ago. Yes damn it, I agree. But I've changed Hermione, I was very good at restraining myself back then, but I can't guarantee that I can have self control now."
White hot desire flashed through Hermione's body. Isn't that what she's always wanted? A man driven by his own passion? Yes she wanted his passion, but also his love, and she wasn't sure how loved fit into this.
"I think that maybe this trip to London will give us a change to catch up, and sort things out," Hermione said.
"I guess you're right; we haven't spent much time alone together these past few years, and I really want to get to know you again Hermione," Harry said, as another thought popped through this mind. "What about the Hotel at the end of town? You don't have to stay there you know."
Hermione's body quivered, as she thought of heading to London, straight into Harry's arm, and right into his bed. "Yes I do."
Harry nodded slightly. "Alright, so is a week from Monday convenient enough for you?"
"Yes, its fine."
"I'll make the reservation at the hotel, is that what you want?" Harry asked, but he would much rather have had her in his arms right now, if he had his way though out this ordeal.
Hermione nodded, but what she really wanted was to be in Harry's arms. He gazed at Hermione for a moment before breaking the silence. "It's probably best if I hit the road now."
"Yes," Hermione said with a warm smile. "That would be for the best."
Harry slowly walked towards his car, looking at Hermione before he got in; he weakly smiled at her, before driving away. Hermione watched him until his car was already out of sight. When he was gone Hermione mentally cursed herself. They could have been lovers by now. But she's made one terrible mistake eight years ago. And running into his arms now would be like sitting on your broom not moving an inch even when you see a bludger coming straight at you. As much as she hated to admit it, she was leaning caution. The S.P.E.W Committee of Hogsmeade usually met every Thursday evening at the Shrinking Shack. But due to Ariel's death one hasn't been convened. Since she was going to be headed to London, she decided a meeting would be necessary; she wanted to make sure the committee was behind her one hundred percent. First she called Lavender Brown, who suggested it be on Thursday. Lavender agreed to the plans, and promised to call Luna Lovegood-Weasley, if Hermione could get in touch with Cho Chang.
On Thursday a storm came into town, blowing dead leaves all over, and pelting the town with rain. Hermione left her house running in the rain toward her Shrinking Shack that was down the street of her house. Hermione wasn't too fond of the cold wet rain, which she detested even more as she had to walk in it. She often wished that it could skip autumn and turn right into winter, so she could be walking in the beautiful white snow. The thoughts off snow frightened Hermione, not because she was scared of it, but because it might affect her sculpture plans. What if the artist wanted to do some on site work? She very well wouldn't be able to do that without catching a cold, or maybe frostbite. Maybe she'd just have to wait until spring for the culmination of her dream square.
"Hi Hermione, I think I know what this meeting is going to be about. Neville said something about money for an Elf's Rights statue, and I immediately knew this was your plan," Cho Chang, a beautiful well endowed woman said. She was already inside shaking the water from her sleek black hair.
"I think Ariel would have wanted us to continue with S.P.E.W don't you?" Hermione questioned.
"Absolutely, she would be all for it, she loved the elf's after all. But Neville isn't too keen on this idea," Cho replied with a frown.
Hermione groaned, "Yes I figured that."
"But don't let my fiancé worry you Hermione," Cho stared at her hand, smiling at the ring on her finger. "We'll bring him around."
"If you say so," Hermione said as both her and Cho both walked toward the old wooden table in the middle of the room.
As they walked through the shack, the sound of rain dripping to bucks filled their ears. Cho glanced around. "I'm surprised the roof hasn't fallen yet."
"Oh ladies, I'm so sorry about the roof, there's nothing I can do right now though," Millicent Bulstrode, lady who voluntarily cleaned up the up, apologized. "I asked Vincent to put in a good word, so maybe they could do something with it with the Potter money, but I guess that's not going to happen this year."
Hermione felt her first sharp stab of guilt. She vaguely remembered Vincent Crabbe talking about the disaster of the very old Shrinking Shack, but then remembered when the money was all spoken for; he voted it should be for the sculpture project. But of course it wasn't raining then, so the roof really didn't need immediate fixing because it wasn't leaking.
By the time Lavender arrived with a very hormonal Luna, Hermione worked herself into indecision, fixing a leaky roof instead of putting up an expensive sculpture was more important right? Lavender and Luna finished their discussion about Luna not wanted to know the sex of her baby until it was born, before turning to Hermione. "Ready to start?"
"Yes, of course," remembered Hermione, as she usually waited for Ariel to start the discussions.
"Tell Luna about the statue," Cho blurted about. "I'm sure Lavender already knows from Dennis."
"Alright, well as you remember, Ariel and I talked about getting a sculpture for the town square. Well I brought up the issue during the meeting to decide what was going to be done with the money, and they all voted an amount to purchase one."
"Fantastic!" Luna squealed, jumping out of her chair, than remembering she was pregnant.
"But I'm having second thoughts about the idea," Hermione added. "Look at all the buckets, the new roof for this place wasn't approved for this year, but a brand new sculpture was."
"Oh you have to go on with the project Hermione, one of Neville's things can wait, and we need this," Cho pleaded.
"Yeah Hermione, If some of the other project where skimmed down by the price, then the left over money could be use for the roof, that way everyone is happy," Luna suggested.
"Perfect! What do you say Hermione?" asked Lavender.
Hermione gave them a smile. "It's a good idea, but its going to be hard enough to find one sculpture with the money we have now, so lowering the price is going to make it even harder."
"In the whole of London?" Cho protested. "You can Harry was working on this together, I'm sure you can find something great even for less money." Luna looked at them confused, but with a smile on her face. "What's this I'm hearing about Harry and Hermione together in London?"
"This meeting is supposed to be about the sculpture," Hermione changed the subject. "Do you all trust me?"
"Of course we trust you Hermione, you've been all over the world, I'm sure you'll pick something great," said Cho, as she wanted to take a trip around the world too.
"Alright," Hermione smiled. "I guess she should take 10 percent off of all the projects. Someone will have to call Harry to tell him."
"You know him better than all of us, you can do that," Lavender said with a wave of her hand. Hermione shook her head; her friend was quick to land her with the task of calling Harry.
"If there isn't anything else that is needed to be discussed I think we're about done," Hermione stated.
"There's nothing that concerns elves this time of year, so I guess we're just going to have to wait until spring," Cho noted. "The only thing that's going to keep us girls busy this season is the sculpture Hermione."
"Should we still meet every week?" Hermione asked.
"Of course, even if we can't talk about S.P.E.W, its fun getting together," Cho replied. "Besides it's the only time I can get away from Neville, even though I love being with him, a girl needs her space."
"I agree, Ron and the kids drive me crazy sometimes, its fun having another woman to talk to." Nodded Luna.
"That's fine with me," said Hermione, "but I'll be in London next week, but I'll be here the week after that."
"And we need to hear all the details when you get back," Luna said with a smile. "Oh, it just sounds so exciting." There was on odd feeling in Hermione stomach as she thought about her trip to London with Harry, and she doubted she's been telling the S.P.E.W Committee everything about the trip.
The cool air blew through Hermione's hair as she turned at an intersection on the busy streets of London. After living in Hogsmeade and growing up at Hogwarts, she didn't have much time explore this side of town. She did love the beautiful tall buildings and all the Muggles walking around with their families. Hermione watched for the first left turn that would take her straight to the Palmer House. Of course being Hermione Granger and all, she timed her trip, making sure she'd get there at the exact time to check in. And then be able to call Harry. The thought of being in the same city as Harry Potter both terrified and excited her. How much would her life change when she drove away from this town 5 days from now? She certainly didn't know.
The valet took the keys from Hermione, hiding the laughter of her old truck behind his eyes. Hermione felt slightly embarrassed, even more so when the bellboy came to carry her old brown suitcase. She cringed as she looked at the worn out thing, after all those journeys with Draco. Hermione was glad for her small shopping spree she had weeks before the trip. This after all was a very fancy hotel to stay at. Her room was on the fifth floor, and had the most beautiful view she'd ever seen. Harry's doing no doubt; he did after all want this to be a fun time for Hermione. There was a nice elegance to the room, with dark colors, heavy drapes, and the cleanest carpet.
"Is that all?" the bellboy asked as he placed her suitcase on the bed gently in fear of it falling apart.
"Yes, thank you," Hermione said placing a tip in his gloved hand. She didn't like the idea of city life where it was common to shove money at people. She didn't know if she could survive out here. How did Harry manage?
After the young man left, Hermione walked to the fire place, getting ready to floo Harry at work. This was the third time this week they had talked together. Last Tuesday she had called explaining the 10% cut. And then Harry called to tell her that everyone agreed.
-x-
Chapter 4 - Things Aren't The Same
"I don't understand what you're talking about," Hermione said as she also tried to swallow, even though her throat was dry.
"The hell you don't," Harry snapped.
"Things are different now Harry, a lot has happened between us," Hermione said without reacting the way Harry did.
"And a lot hasn't," Harry retorted sharply. "I'm not the same girl you dated at Hogwarts," Hermione said, while her heart was pounding, blood flowing in her ears, and also she knew his words had hurt where it hurt the most; Harry was quite clear.
"I know you're not Hermione, and I'm hardly the same man," Harry replied.
Hermione studied his face; so familiar, yet so unknown. There were eight years of experience behind those green eyes shielded by his glasses; experience she never had. She knew there had been women, of course there had. Knowing Harry, his relationships had been genuine, passionate and consummated.
Hermione wondered how well he remembered those nights after a Quidditch match, when they'd sneak into the shinking shack and tempted each other, veering away from the forbidden pleasures about to take place. They were adults now, nothing was forbidden.
Since those thoughts were placed into her mind, she was not one bit surprised when he guided her out of her chair, until they were standing, staring into each others eyes. Carefully he took off her own fake glasses, which he hated when she wore them, as he framed her face with his hands.
"Tell me what you need," Harry whispered, his eyes burning with his own desire.
"Maybe I don't know yet," Hermione murmured trembling by the sound of his voice and the way he was looking at her.
"Then maybe we can find out," Harry said as Harry lowered his head while Hermione closed her eyes. She was catapulted back into those long ago day of loving Harry as his mouth softly caressed hers. At first his touch was agonizingly familiar, and she could have been 16 again, sharing their fist kiss, and declaring their undying love for each other. But soon his embrace because less hesitant, and the exploration of it tongue was more demanding. As her more mature emotions pumped through her, she realized that both their innocence was gone forever.
So with some effort at self control, she pulled away from his lips and embrace. "We can't do this; we're in front of the library, anyone could come by." "Then let's go inside," Harry said as he heavily panted.
"This is to fast, "Hermione said shaking her head.
"Too fast?" Harry laughed. "That's true, I've only known you for fifteen years."
"We've been apart Harry, there is much needed catching up to do," Hermione said.
"I think we about just caught up," Harry reminded.
"Harry, I just don't want to make anymore mistakes," Hermione said.
After a moment, Harry's expression became very caution he whispered, "Neither do I."
"Maybe my trip to London can give us a change to get to know each other again," Hermione suggested. "Sounds good," Harry said.
"Harry, I can't help the way I respond. I've always-" Hermione said, becoming frustrated. "But there are other important things, don't you agree Harry?"
Harry gave a grunt laugh. "You're asking me? Some how I think those lines have been reversed from a conversation we had years ago. Yes damn it, I agree. But I've changed Hermione, I was very good at restraining myself back then, but I can't guarantee that I can have self control now."
White hot desire flashed through Hermione's body. Isn't that what she's always wanted? A man driven by his own passion? Yes she wanted his passion, but also his love, and she wasn't sure how loved fit into this.
"I think that maybe this trip to London will give us a change to catch up, and sort things out," Hermione said.
"I guess you're right; we haven't spent much time alone together these past few years, and I really want to get to know you again Hermione," Harry said, as another thought popped through this mind. "What about the Hotel at the end of town? You don't have to stay there you know."
Hermione's body quivered, as she thought of heading to London, straight into Harry's arm, and right into his bed. "Yes I do."
Harry nodded slightly. "Alright, so is a week from Monday convenient enough for you?"
"Yes, its fine."
"I'll make the reservation at the hotel, is that what you want?" Harry asked, but he would much rather have had her in his arms right now, if he had his way though out this ordeal.
Hermione nodded, but what she really wanted was to be in Harry's arms. He gazed at Hermione for a moment before breaking the silence. "It's probably best if I hit the road now."
"Yes," Hermione said with a warm smile. "That would be for the best."
Harry slowly walked towards his car, looking at Hermione before he got in; he weakly smiled at her, before driving away. Hermione watched him until his car was already out of sight. When he was gone Hermione mentally cursed herself. They could have been lovers by now. But she's made one terrible mistake eight years ago. And running into his arms now would be like sitting on your broom not moving an inch even when you see a bludger coming straight at you. As much as she hated to admit it, she was leaning caution. The S.P.E.W Committee of Hogsmeade usually met every Thursday evening at the Shrinking Shack. But due to Ariel's death one hasn't been convened. Since she was going to be headed to London, she decided a meeting would be necessary; she wanted to make sure the committee was behind her one hundred percent. First she called Lavender Brown, who suggested it be on Thursday. Lavender agreed to the plans, and promised to call Luna Lovegood-Weasley, if Hermione could get in touch with Cho Chang.
On Thursday a storm came into town, blowing dead leaves all over, and pelting the town with rain. Hermione left her house running in the rain toward her Shrinking Shack that was down the street of her house. Hermione wasn't too fond of the cold wet rain, which she detested even more as she had to walk in it. She often wished that it could skip autumn and turn right into winter, so she could be walking in the beautiful white snow. The thoughts off snow frightened Hermione, not because she was scared of it, but because it might affect her sculpture plans. What if the artist wanted to do some on site work? She very well wouldn't be able to do that without catching a cold, or maybe frostbite. Maybe she'd just have to wait until spring for the culmination of her dream square.
"Hi Hermione, I think I know what this meeting is going to be about. Neville said something about money for an Elf's Rights statue, and I immediately knew this was your plan," Cho Chang, a beautiful well endowed woman said. She was already inside shaking the water from her sleek black hair.
"I think Ariel would have wanted us to continue with S.P.E.W don't you?" Hermione questioned.
"Absolutely, she would be all for it, she loved the elf's after all. But Neville isn't too keen on this idea," Cho replied with a frown.
Hermione groaned, "Yes I figured that."
"But don't let my fiancé worry you Hermione," Cho stared at her hand, smiling at the ring on her finger. "We'll bring him around."
"If you say so," Hermione said as both her and Cho both walked toward the old wooden table in the middle of the room.
As they walked through the shack, the sound of rain dripping to bucks filled their ears. Cho glanced around. "I'm surprised the roof hasn't fallen yet."
"Oh ladies, I'm so sorry about the roof, there's nothing I can do right now though," Millicent Bulstrode, lady who voluntarily cleaned up the up, apologized. "I asked Vincent to put in a good word, so maybe they could do something with it with the Potter money, but I guess that's not going to happen this year."
Hermione felt her first sharp stab of guilt. She vaguely remembered Vincent Crabbe talking about the disaster of the very old Shrinking Shack, but then remembered when the money was all spoken for; he voted it should be for the sculpture project. But of course it wasn't raining then, so the roof really didn't need immediate fixing because it wasn't leaking.
By the time Lavender arrived with a very hormonal Luna, Hermione worked herself into indecision, fixing a leaky roof instead of putting up an expensive sculpture was more important right? Lavender and Luna finished their discussion about Luna not wanted to know the sex of her baby until it was born, before turning to Hermione. "Ready to start?"
"Yes, of course," remembered Hermione, as she usually waited for Ariel to start the discussions.
"Tell Luna about the statue," Cho blurted about. "I'm sure Lavender already knows from Dennis."
"Alright, well as you remember, Ariel and I talked about getting a sculpture for the town square. Well I brought up the issue during the meeting to decide what was going to be done with the money, and they all voted an amount to purchase one."
"Fantastic!" Luna squealed, jumping out of her chair, than remembering she was pregnant.
"But I'm having second thoughts about the idea," Hermione added. "Look at all the buckets, the new roof for this place wasn't approved for this year, but a brand new sculpture was."
"Oh you have to go on with the project Hermione, one of Neville's things can wait, and we need this," Cho pleaded.
"Yeah Hermione, If some of the other project where skimmed down by the price, then the left over money could be use for the roof, that way everyone is happy," Luna suggested.
"Perfect! What do you say Hermione?" asked Lavender.
Hermione gave them a smile. "It's a good idea, but its going to be hard enough to find one sculpture with the money we have now, so lowering the price is going to make it even harder."
"In the whole of London?" Cho protested. "You can Harry was working on this together, I'm sure you can find something great even for less money." Luna looked at them confused, but with a smile on her face. "What's this I'm hearing about Harry and Hermione together in London?"
"This meeting is supposed to be about the sculpture," Hermione changed the subject. "Do you all trust me?"
"Of course we trust you Hermione, you've been all over the world, I'm sure you'll pick something great," said Cho, as she wanted to take a trip around the world too.
"Alright," Hermione smiled. "I guess she should take 10 percent off of all the projects. Someone will have to call Harry to tell him."
"You know him better than all of us, you can do that," Lavender said with a wave of her hand. Hermione shook her head; her friend was quick to land her with the task of calling Harry.
"If there isn't anything else that is needed to be discussed I think we're about done," Hermione stated.
"There's nothing that concerns elves this time of year, so I guess we're just going to have to wait until spring," Cho noted. "The only thing that's going to keep us girls busy this season is the sculpture Hermione."
"Should we still meet every week?" Hermione asked.
"Of course, even if we can't talk about S.P.E.W, its fun getting together," Cho replied. "Besides it's the only time I can get away from Neville, even though I love being with him, a girl needs her space."
"I agree, Ron and the kids drive me crazy sometimes, its fun having another woman to talk to." Nodded Luna.
"That's fine with me," said Hermione, "but I'll be in London next week, but I'll be here the week after that."
"And we need to hear all the details when you get back," Luna said with a smile. "Oh, it just sounds so exciting." There was on odd feeling in Hermione stomach as she thought about her trip to London with Harry, and she doubted she's been telling the S.P.E.W Committee everything about the trip.
The cool air blew through Hermione's hair as she turned at an intersection on the busy streets of London. After living in Hogsmeade and growing up at Hogwarts, she didn't have much time explore this side of town. She did love the beautiful tall buildings and all the Muggles walking around with their families. Hermione watched for the first left turn that would take her straight to the Palmer House. Of course being Hermione Granger and all, she timed her trip, making sure she'd get there at the exact time to check in. And then be able to call Harry. The thought of being in the same city as Harry Potter both terrified and excited her. How much would her life change when she drove away from this town 5 days from now? She certainly didn't know.
The valet took the keys from Hermione, hiding the laughter of her old truck behind his eyes. Hermione felt slightly embarrassed, even more so when the bellboy came to carry her old brown suitcase. She cringed as she looked at the worn out thing, after all those journeys with Draco. Hermione was glad for her small shopping spree she had weeks before the trip. This after all was a very fancy hotel to stay at. Her room was on the fifth floor, and had the most beautiful view she'd ever seen. Harry's doing no doubt; he did after all want this to be a fun time for Hermione. There was a nice elegance to the room, with dark colors, heavy drapes, and the cleanest carpet.
"Is that all?" the bellboy asked as he placed her suitcase on the bed gently in fear of it falling apart.
"Yes, thank you," Hermione said placing a tip in his gloved hand. She didn't like the idea of city life where it was common to shove money at people. She didn't know if she could survive out here. How did Harry manage?
After the young man left, Hermione walked to the fire place, getting ready to floo Harry at work. This was the third time this week they had talked together. Last Tuesday she had called explaining the 10% cut. And then Harry called to tell her that everyone agreed.