Disclaimer: As normal, I don't own any of the Harry Potter characters, so don't sue me. This is just me letting my imagination run wild and free.
Dedication: I am dedicating this fic to Amanda. Hope ya like it.
Warnings: This fic contains some things that may be graphic to some people. No slash that I know of at the moment, but I might end up putting some in later on.
A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed. I'm getting a lot more reviews for this fic than the other ones.
To reviewer "me", whoever you are…if you are reading this all I can say about your review is if you don't like it, don't read it. This fic is dedicated to someone so I'm sorry if it's not up to your standards and you don't like the content. Plus, I said that it was AU to begin with.
Chapter 9Later that day, Ginny walked to Hermione's room to see if she wanted to go shopping with her and Draco tomorrow. Hermione was sitting on her bed, reading a novel (no, it's not a text book lol). Ginny walked in and sat on the bed.
"Whatcha reading?" Ginny asked.
"Forever by Judy Blume. It's a Muggle book that my mum sent me. She said that it was her favorite book when she was growing up. She thought that I would enjoy it," Hermione answered.
"What's it about?"
"Well, it tells you a lot about love and stuff. I guess you could kind of call it a teen romance novel. It's about this girl and she meets a guy at a party. They hit it off and then one thing leads to another. It explains about first time sex and things like that. It's pretty good so far though," Hermione said.
"Cool. Can I read it when you're done?"
"Sure."
"I almost forgot why I came in here. I wanted to know if you wanted to come shopping with me and Draco tomorrow. We are going to pick out some baby things and I thought it would be good to have another girls opinion," Ginny said.
"Sure, I'd love to come, but is it ok if Harry came too? Because I told him that I would spend the day with him tomorrow," Hermione said.
"Is there something going on between you two? Seems like you've been getting really close lately. Like more than friendly," Ginny said, looking at Hermione with a grin on her face.
"Well, last night, he kissed me and asked me out," Hermione said.
"Well, what did you say?" Ginny asked anxiously.
"I told him that I would think about it and tell him this morning. I decided that I would give it a shot. I mean, what did I have to lose right?"
Ginny made a squeal, similar to that of an over-excited school girl. Hermione looked at her rather funny. She expected a similar reaction, but she did not expect Ginny to get that giddy. "Sorry Hermione," Ginny apologized, noting the expression on Hermione's face. "It's the hormones. But that is great news! Congratulations. I was wondering when you were gonna start dating someone else. I mean, I know that you loved Ron dearly, but it was getting time to move on."
"That's why I said yes to Harry," Hermione said.
"Well, of course he can come with us. He might find it a bit boring because we are shopping for baby things, but if he wants to, the more the merrier!" Ginny said.
"Alright, well I'll mention it to him and I'll let you know what he said," Hermione said.
"Ok, well, we are leaving first thing tomorrow morning I think," Ginny said.
"Alright, see you later Ginny," Hermione said, continuing to read her book as Ginny smiled and walked out. As soon as Ginny had closed the door, she seen Harry walking up the stairs to Hermione's dorm. Harry smiled as he walked past her and she smiled back.
"Hey Harry," Ginny said.
"Hey Gin," Harry replied. "Is Hermione busy?"
"No, she's just reading," Ginny replied.
"How unusual," Harry said causing Ginny to laugh.
"That's what I thought. It's some Muggle book that her mother sent her."
"Well, I shouldn't bother her then," Harry said, starting to head back downstairs.
"I'm sure she wouldn't mind," Ginny said, grinning stupidly.
"I guess she told you about us then?" Harry said, stating a fact more so than asking a question, because the answer was obvious.
"Yeah, we're best friends so of course she told me." Harry just nodded in agreement. Harry knocked on the door as Ginny continued down the stairs and out through the portrait.
"The door's open Ginny," Hermione said, not expecting Harry to be at the door. He opened the door anyway and smiled as Hermione blushed.
"Oh, sorry Harry. I thought you were Ginny, she was just – "
"Yeah, I know. I just seen her leave," Harry said, sitting on Hermione's bed next to her.
"Yeah, she came in to ask me if I wanted to go shopping for baby things with her and Draco tomorrow morning," Hermione said.
"Oh," said Harry, disappointment sounding in his voice. "I thought that we were going to hang out tomorrow. Just the two of us."
"Well, you could come with us and then when we get back here we can spend the rest of the day together then," Hermione suggested.
"Yeah, but I was hoping that we could spend the entire day together. You know, have lunch then maybe go into Hogsmeade for a Butterbeer and come back and sit together in front of the fire," Harry said.
"Aww…Harry that's so sweet!" Hermione said. "But I already told Ginny that I would go with her and that I would ask her to see if you wanted to go as well. But we are going first thing tomorrow morning, so I'm sure that we will be back in time to do everything that you planned," Hermione said, trying to convince Harry to go with them.
"Ok, well, if Ginny and Draco aren't ready to come back to the school by 12, can we come back without them?"
"Promise," Hermione said, leaning in and kissing Harry.
The next morning around 8, Harry woke to the feel of soft flesh on his neck. He opened his eyes to see Hermione leaned over him. He smiled up at her.
"Morning," Harry said.
"Morning," Hermione, still in her pajamas, responded. She stopped kissing him after she had gotten the results she wanted. "So, are you still going with me, Ginny and Draco?"
"Aww, why'd you stop?" Harry asked, pouting. Hermione leaned down and kissed him again.
"So, are you going?"
"Yeah. Are they going now?" Harry asked, not wanting to wake up right now.
"In about an hour or so," Hermione responded.
"Good, cause I'm not ready to get up just yet," Harry said, pulling Hermione down on top of his naked chest and pressed their lips together. Hermione then rolled over and laid next to him, one arm draped over his chest, the other one running through Harry's always messy hair. Harry ran a finger down the side of Hermione's face and she blushed; Harry could feel her cheeks getting warm. He leaned in for another kiss. Hermione rested her head on Harry's shoulder as he rested his chin on her head. He closed his eyes and they both were soon fast asleep.
At 8:50, Ginny went to Hermione's room to get her. When she opened the door and didn't see her, she walked down to the common room, figuring that she was down there. When there was no sign of Hermione, Ginny came to the conclusion that Hermione must have went up to Gryffindor Tower to get Harry. Ginny walked up the many flights of stairs to the tower and told the Fat Lady the password. When she entered, she seen Neville on his way up to the boys dorm.
"Hey Neville," Ginny called out to him, out of breath.
"Hey Ginny," Neville responded, walking over to her. "You seem tired."
"I never realized how many stairs are in this place until now," Ginny said, panting slightly. "Neville, could you do me a favor?"
"Depends on what it is," Neville said, sounding a bit frightened.
"Don't worry Neville. I only want you to see if Hermione and Harry are in the boys dorm and if they are, could you tell them that me and Draco are ready to go."
"Oh, sure," Neville said, sounding relieved. He walked upstairs and seen the couple laying on Harry's bed. They had neglected to close the curtain on the bed, leaving their present position visible to anyone that walked in the room. Neville, who didn't know that Hermione and Harry were dating, walked nervously over and tapped Hermione (who was nearest him) on the shoulder. She turned to fast him.
"Oh, hey Neville," she said, smiling.
"Umm…Ginny is downstairs and umm…she wanted me to tell you th…that her and Draco are rea…ready to go," Neville said.
"Shit," Hermione said, looking back at Harry, who was still asleep. "Thanks Neville. Tell Ginny that we'll be right down." Neville nodded in understanding and walked back downstairs, grabbing his cloak (the reason he was going to the dorm in the first place) as he walked out the door. Hermione shook Harry. Harry immediately looked at her.
"Well, that was a much more unpleasant wake up call," Harry said, grinning.
"Harry, Ginny and Draco are ready and we are just waking up," Hermione said. "God, I'm not dressed or anything"
"Me either," Harry said. "Well, we could always shower together to save on time."
"Nice try Harry," Hermione said. "But I already showered earlier this morning, so I'm gonna run and get dressed while you get ready and I'll meet you down by the entrance in 20 minutes?"
"Alright," Harry said, fusing through his drawer and hauled out some clean clothes and went to the bathroom to take a shower. Hermione went up to her room and changed into a pair of hip hugger blue flare jeans and a blue t-shirt with a bright yellow baby chick on the front. She applied a small bit of cover up and foundation along with some black eyeliner and pale blue eyeshadow. She brushed out her curly brown locks and tied it back in a half ponytail. She looked herself over once more in the mirror. She then put on her winter jacket, scarf, gloves and a hat before walking down to the entrance. She had met up with Ginny in the Gryffindor common room and told her that they would meet in the entrance of Hogwarts.
When Hermione had got there, Ginny and Draco were there, but Harry was no where to be found.
"I guess Harry is still getting ready?" Ginny asked, but it was more of a statement than a question.
"Guess so. Want me to go up and get him? His gotta be ready soon," Hermione suggested.
"Nope, he's coming now," Ginny said, looking straight ahead. Since Hermione's back was facing the stairs, she didn't see Harry walking towards them. Harry was wearing a pair of baggy jeans, loose around the hips (like all guys wear them, lol) and a black Ramones t-shirt, covered by a black hoodie. He was also sporting his Gryffindor scarf along with gloves and a hat.
"Hey babe," Harry said, walking over to Hermione and sneaking his arms around her waist and kissing her on the lips briefly, but passionately.
She responded with a smile and a quiet "hey," before they left the warmth of the castle and stepped out into the cold, harsh February wind. Once in Hogsmeade, the four teens ran to the comfort of Honeydukes. Draco went up to the bar and ordered four Butterbeer while everyone else got a table.
"I never knew that Hogsmeade had stores that sold baby supplies," Harry said. "I mean, I assumed you would have to go to Muggle London for this kind of thing."
"I thought we would too, until my mum told me about a few stores here in Hogsmeade. So that saves us some time, and some unhealthy Apparation for me," Ginny said, patting her stomach. Draco returned to the table a few minutes later carrying three Butterbeer and a glass of cola.
"I remembered that if you are pregnant, you shouldn't have any form of alcohol, and I think Butterbeers have, even though very little, alcohol in them so I just got you a soda instead," Draco said.
"That was thoughtful of you Draco. Thanks," Ginny said, taking her soda and drinking from her glass.
"So, you have it all set that the stuff will go sent to the Burrow?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, I was talking to mum and she has everything set for me. All I have to do is tell them the address," Ginny said. There was a few minutes silence as everyone finished off their drinks.
"So, where to first?" Draco asked, taking the last sip of his Butterbeer.
"Well, I think cribs and stuff first because I'll probably be the longest time on clothes," Ginny said.
Draco nodded and paid for their drinks before leaving and once again venturing into the cold wind. The followed the road to the very end of Hogsmeade where the baby shops were located.
"No wonder I've never seen these places before. I've never been this far into Hogsmeade," Ginny said.
"I know what you mean. They are a long way away," Hermione agreed.
As they entered the crib shop, Ginny looked around in astonishment. She had no idea that there were so many different types of cribs and accessories to choose from. After looking at each crib, Ginny finally decided on a light oak colored crib with Winnie the Pooh accessories (but accessories, I mean bumper pads and blankets and stuff that goes with a crib).
After a two hours, Ginny had all the basics that she would need. All she had left was clothes.
"Oh no," Ginny said, looking at a really cute pink dress.
"What's the matter," Draco asked, putting his arm around her shoulder.
"I dunno if I'm having a boy or a girl so I don't know what kind of clothes to buy," Ginny complained.
"Well, you could always buy cute clothes for both genders and once you have the baby, you could always use magic to change the other clothes," Hermione suggested.
"Good idea," Ginny said, taking the dress off the rack. Hermione and Ginny walked around the shop, oogling over different outfits as Harry and Draco tried to stay out of their way. From time to time, Ginny or Hermione would ask Draco or Harry for their opinions, which they gladly gave. 3 hours and 20 shopping bags later, Ginny was ready to go.
Though Hermione had promised Harry that they would go back to the school at 12 o'clock and it was well after 12 now, Harry hadn't bothered to ask Hermione to leave. She had looked like she was having too much fun. So Harry just hung back with Draco as the two girls finished their shopping. The smile that was glazed on Hermione's face as she helped Ginny was indescribable. Perfect to Harry. It was beginning to give Harry the opinion that Hermione wanted a baby of her own. He made a mental note to ask her about it later.
"Woah Gin," said Harry, noticing exactly how many bags she had. "Are you sure you have enough clothes?" Harry laughed and Ginny laughed as well.
"I wanna be prepared Harry," Ginny responded. "Besides, you can never have too much clothes."
"Well, we should get back to the castle before it gets too late," Hermione said. She gave Harry a quick smile, which he returned.
"Yes, definetly," Draco agreed.
As they went outside, they noticed that the wind had settled down slightly, so it wasn't as bad walking back to the school. When they arrived back in the comfort of the school, Ginny and Draco went directly up to Draco's room. Harry told Hermione that he would meet her in the Head dorm in 15 minutes because he needed to drop off his jacket and things, but Hermione had agreed to go with him.
"So, are our plans still going ahead?" Hermione asked. She was sitting on Harry's bed, watching him hang up his wet clothes.
"Only if you still want them too," Harry said, looking at her. Hermione nodded and smiled, to which Harry responded with a kiss. Once Harry had gotten out of his winter clothes, he and Hermione walked, hand in hand, back down to the Head dorms.
"I'm gonna go and change into warmer clothes," Hermione said as Harry sat down on the couch in the common room. "And I'll also tell Ginny and Draco what we are gonna be doing this afternoon, though I doubt that they will come downstairs anyway." Harry nodded his head in approval as Hermione disappeared into her bedroom. Harry couldn't help but think about the way Hermione had acted in the shop earlier that day. He reminded himself to ask her, even though he somewhat feared her answer.
Hermione came downstairs 10 minutes later wearing a pair of purple flannel pajama pants and a light blue tanktop. She was carrying a blanket in one hand and her wand in the other.
"I told Draco and Ginny about our plans and they said that they probably wouldn't be downstairs anyway," Hermione told Harry. She noticed Harry looking at her oddly, so she added, "Is there something wrong?"
"No, I just didn't expect you to put on pajamas. I mean, when you said that you were going to put on something warmer, I just, I dunno, wasn't expecting pajamas," Harry said. "But they look great on you," he added.
"I brought us down a blanket," Hermione stated.
"I noticed," Harry responded. Harry slid off the couch and sat on the floor. Since the couch was near the fire, he was sitting pretty much in front of it. Hermione sat down next to him and draped the blanket around her back. She didn't think Harry would need the blanket since he was still fully dressed. She laid her head on Harry's shoulder.
"Hermione, I have to ask you something," Harry said.
"Sure, what is it Harry?"
"Do you want to have a baby?" Harry asked. Only after he said it did he realize how bad it actually sounded. It definitely sounded better in his head.
"Harry, don't you think that you are moving a bit too fast," Hermione asked, looking taken aback.
"I'm sorry Hermione. I didn't mean it like that. What I meant is that when you and Ginny were shopping earlier, it seemed like you were having so much fun. And it also seemed like you wished it was you that was having the baby," Harry said.
Hermione understood what he meant. "Harry, I was having fun shopping with Ginny for baby things, but I am far from ready to have my own child. I would not want to be in Ginny's position right now, and though I don't fully agree with her decision to keep the baby, I will support her. So no Harry, I do not want a baby right now. In the future, I'd love to be a mum, but not at 17 years old."
Harry breathed a sigh of relief. "Ok. I was hoping you didn't," Harry said. His statement was followed by an awkward silence. "You know, I still remember the day that you told me that you and Ron were dating. I was so jealous that he won you over. I wanted to hex Ron on the spot, but I knew that I couldn't end my friendship with Ron because you guys were seeing each other. I just sat and watched as you two grew closer together. I knew then that I would never have you, even though I still did want you to be mine. I knew that you loved him so much. I never dreamed that this would be the way that we would end up going out," Harry said, wrapping his arm around Hermione's waist.
Hermione snuggled up closer to Harry. "Harry, I never knew that you liked me for so long. And you're right, I loved Ron with all my heart. But things happen; life can't be perfect and people have to change eventually. There was always room for you in my heart," Hermione said.
"Hermione, you have to stop that," Harry said, laughing slightly. Hermione looked totally bewildered."Stop what?"
"Saying things that make me want to kiss you," Harry responded. Hermione leaned in and kissed him sweetly on the lips.
"You mean like that?" Hermione asked, smiling up at the raven-haired boy.
"Mmmhmm, exactly like that," Harry said, leaning in for another kiss. He deepened the kiss this time, their tongues feeling, tasting, exploring the other's mouth. Harry placed his hand on the small of Hermione's back as he began to kiss her neck like she was doing to him earlier that morning.
"Mmm," Hermione moaned. "I didn't know how good that actually felt."
Harry stopped kissing her neck and brought his lips back up to meet hers for another quick kiss before pulling away.
"I love you 'Mione," Harry said.
"I love you too, Harry," Hermione said. And it was true, she did love Harry.
"Are you hungry?" Harry asked.
"A little. Why?"
As if he was expecting this answer, Harry took out his wand and with a flick of his wrist, a picnic basket appeared in front of them. It was no picnic in the park, but it was so cute and romantic. Hermione thought that she would cry.
"Harry, this is so cute," Hermione said.
"It was nothing. And besides, if we didn't have something to eat here, we'd need to go down to the Great Hall which would mean having to leave here. And honestly Hermione, this is the most comfortable that I've been in a while," Harry said, earnestly.
"Aww," Hermione said.
"I could stay here with you forever," Harry said.
"Now you're the one making me want to kiss you," Hermione said, not hesitating to plant a kiss on Harry's cheek.
"Remind me to never share a bed with you," Harry said to Hermione.
"Why not? Am I not a good cuddler?"
"No, you're a great cuddler, but you're a major blanket hog," Harry said, laughing as Hermione playfully punched his arm.
"I didn't know you found it cold," Hermione said, offering Harry some of the blankets. She re-adjusted it so that it fully covered the both of them, which didn't prove difficult since they were cuddled together pretty closely. They ate the "picnic" and continued to cuddle in front of the fire, talking about nothing in particular or of great importance.
A/N: Yay! Another chapter up! And this one is long! GO ME! LOL. As always, read and review and I hope you like it.