Thanks for the reviews for chapter 7. Please continue to review and I hope you enjoy the story. Just to tie things up let me say. I know whom Hermione will end up but I can't tell you that yet or you won't read Lol.
Chapter 8- Morning After
Harry stared down at his sleeping wife, in two minds whether to wake her or not. They had spent most the night making love and it was Saturday.
But it was approaching noon, and she'd been asleep for eight hours.
Harry wanted her company. Wanted her, too. The new her. The one who'd emerged last night.
His flesh prickled at the memory of the woman he unleashed with the episode at the bar. She'd become quite aggressive after they reached the bedroom.
Stripping him of his clothes almost angrily, wanting to be on top, wanting all sorts of things.
They'd had their first shower together some time later- now that had been a mind-blowing experience! After which he'd refused to let her grab a towel, or a nightie, to cover her beautiful body. After a momentary hesitation, she stayed naked for him.
But it was like having sex with a stranger. Last night she was nothing like the Hermione he knew. She was always too elegant and coolly composed. This Hermione had been totally different.
Which Hermione would it be, he wondered, who woke up this morning?
Maybe last night was a temporary aberration. Harry didn't like to think her passion wasn't real. He really enjoyed her reaching for him so avidly. He'd been so thrilled that she kissed him for a change. And he wallowed in watching her eyes as he made love to her.
Damn, but he had to stop thinking about that. If he didn't, he'd be jumping back onto that bed with her.
Possibly, she wouldn't object if he did. But maybe she would. Harry's well honed people instinct warned him to take it easy with her today; not to presume that there would be more of the same just yet.
Hermione could be surprisingly touchy. She hated him to presume anything about her. No, best he get himself out of here and go have some breakfast.
The sun was up and it would be pleasant out on the balcony this time of day. Rather reluctantly, Harry picked up the top sheet from where it was scrunched up and pulled it over his wife's beautiful bare body.
Very reluctantly, he let it drop onto her shoulders. A sigh whispered from his lungs as he pulled his t-shirt over his head. Fixed his glasses, then headed for the kitchen.
Harry still couldn't believe last night really happened. He made love to Hermione. It still continued to boggle his mind. And scared him to death.
Harry was no stranger when it came to great sex. But for the first time in his life, he had sex with someone he loved. He still remembered every inch of her body. Oh how he savored every minute of their love making, as if he would never taste her again. Quite honestly he didn't know if he ever would.
He placed Ashlynn's dirty dishes in the sink, before grabbing a bowl. He was glad Luna came to get her. She had wanted to see the baby ever since he told her about what happened to lavender.
He knew he and Hermione had a lot to sort out, especially after last night. So he was more then willing to let her go with Luna. Picking up the daily prophet, Harry proceeded to the balcony.
He would give Hermione a little more time to rest. To be quite frank, he was worried she might have figured out his secret. He only meant to confront her about Draco, but something snapped when she threaten divorce. His whole world seemed to shatter with those words.
That was when he decided to kiss her. And much to his relief and surprise she let him. God forbid, he ran with it. Right up the stairs and straight to his room.
Hermione's first thought on waking was how great she felt. Then she remembered. Everything.
"Oh, god" she groaned aloud, clutching at the sheet as she glanced around the room, wondering where Harry was.
Shock joined her agitation when she saw the time on Harry's alarm clock. Twelve fourteen! It was afternoon! She'd never slept in so late since she had Ashlynn.
Admittedly, it had to have been the early hours of the morning by the time she passed out last night. Through utter exhaustion.
Hermione grimaced, then shuddered. What on earth had she been thinking about to act the way she had? Of course, she hadn't been thinking at all. That was the problem. For the first time since their marriage, she gave herself fully to Harry. Allowing him to whisk her away to that place where she could pretend he loved her. She had been so emotional during their lovemaking she thought she spotted love in his eyes as they moved together.
She could remember the countless times she forced herself not to scream out She loved him more then life it's self. He was so gentle and tender with her, he weaved his self deeper in her heart with every caress, and every kiss left her aching for more.
She had to face the facts, making love to him only left her wanting him more. Hermione groaned aloud. What a fool she was to have let her husband open her Pandora's box. A stupid, stupid fool.
Hermione shook her head in dismay over the possible consequences of last night. Things were going to be different now. Draco knew about Ashlynn, if he succeeded in his quest, Harry would never forgive her for not telling him.
Maybe it was as well she hadn't told him about Draco yet. She still had a chance to fix it before anyone got hurt, and she doubted last night would have taken place had he known the situation.
But maybe she was worrying for nothing. Maybe Draco would change his mind, Maybe Harry would be all right with the way things turned out last night. After all he was the one who started it. He was the one who needed her last night she reminded her self. But he didn't profess to love her.
Now why didn't she find that last thought comforting?
Shaking her head, Hermione tossed back the sheet and made a mad dash for the bathroom. She showered, dressed and made her way downstairs to the kitchen for some much-needed coffee?
At the bottom of the stairs she made a slight detour to peek into Harry's study, but he wasn't in there. Possibly he was on the balcony. That was his favorite place in the house.
As soon as Hermione stepped into the foyer, she could see that she was right. Harry was out on the balcony, semi reclining on the chair, sipping a glass of orange juice and reading the daily prophet.
At this elbow sat an empty cereal bowl and spoon, along with the various inserts from the paper.
Hermione momentarily toyed with the idea of boldly going out there and saying good morning to him as nothing changed. But she was running low on boldness this morning; She must have used all of her boldness quota last night.
Her stomached tightened as another memory came to her. Had she really said those words to Harry when he carried her from the bar to the bedroom? Oh yes, she did. She remembered feeling so embarrassed but Harry just laughed, oh how she loved him for that laughter.
Harry must have sensed her there, watching him, for his dark head suddenly turned around. He waved the glass up at her, and then motioned for her to join him.
Taking a deep breath, she proceeded down the wide step that separated the foyer from the living room, bypassing the kitchen on her right she headed for the sliding doors, and the balcony.
"Have a good sleep?" Harry asked as soon as she stepped outside. "Wonderful, thanks and you?" Oh god she sounded like a polite stranger.
He smiled up at her "Never better" he said tossing the paper onto the table "Have a seat"
"Where's Ashlynn?" she asked realizing she hadn't seen her daughter since she woke up. "At the hospital seeing the baby with Luna" he said.
"I figure it would be good for us to talk," he added. "I need to get some coffee first. You know I can't think straight till I have my coffee. You want some?"
"I'll have whatever your having", he said, and then threw her one of his breathtaking smiles.
Hermione didn't want the relief to show on her face, but she felt almost overwhelmed by the realization that everything was going to be all right.
"Just coffee for me" she said smiling back at him. "Haven't you just eaten breakfast?" she said nodding towards the side table.
"Only juice and fruit loops. That's nothing. I seem to have worked up quite an appetite after last night. Lord knows why," he added, his emerald eyes sparkling.
He was teasing her, as he sometimes did. But never before had the teasing been about sex.
"If anyone should have an appetite this morning, it's me" she retorted, "You hardly did a thing"
She floored him for a moment. He knew she had. But then his sexy mouth widened into the wickedest smile.
"I'm afraid you seem to have a case of selective memory this morning. I distinctively recall you begging me to stop at one stage"
"If that's so, then your hearing is defective, Mr. Potter" she replied haughtily, thoroughly enjoying their repartee. "I definitely didn't beg you to stop"
"Begging or not I would have done anything for you last night" he said, his voice dropping low.
"So you… you don't mind we slept together then? Hermione hated herself for sounding so vulnerable, but that was how she felt, at that moment.
Harry looked genuinely thrown back. "Why should I mind?" he put down the orange juice and rose to his feet. Hermione gulped as her eyes traveled over his well-defined chest. The same chest she ran her fingers over last night in the heat of passion.
Blushing she looked away "I think I'll come inside with you while you make your coffee. I want to find out why you would think I would mind and don't imagine you can lie to me Mione" he said sternly ushering her inside
"Would I lie to you?" she said, sounding cool and casual, whereas inside she was a mess.
Would she lie to me? Now that she had his heart, too damn right she would, Harry decided.
For some reason, she never showed any interest in sex with him till last night. He wanted to know why and why last night? What happened last night that was different?
The answer to that last question popped into Harry's head as he followed Hermione to the kitchen. He'd been different. First at the café' when he became all primal and possessive and then in the living room, where his sensitive persona fled in the face of the most intense frustration he'd ever known.
It came to him as he followed her to the kitchen that she thought he loath the idea of sex with her. Was she crazy? Sex with her; No wait, he wouldn't dare call what they experienced last night sex. Making love to her only made him realize she was definitely the woman for him.
He loved her and he allowed himself to taste her in every way, now what was wrong with that.
"Well?" he said as he let go of her arm and slid up on one of the bar stools.
She ignored him for a few seconds as she went about turning on the kettle and getting herself a cup from the cabinet.
"Well what?" she said a last, deliberately making her face a blank mask as she looked at him. He rolled his eyes at her.
"Why did you think I'd mind making love to you last night? He said.
Hermione stared at him for a second. He said making love. Surely that was not the case. He didn't love her; only cared for her. She sighed, there was no reason to get emotional over words.
Yet those two words, reminded her how much of Harry she truly wanted. And last night was a glimpse of what Harry could give. Sighing again she looked away from him. It wasn't love but for now it was enough.
She shrug was nonchalant "I guess with the reasons of our marriage I never expected it to happen"
"No" he said "Me either"
She stared at him, and he could have sworn he noticed a flicker of fear in her lovely brown eyes. "But I'm glad it did. It was great Hermione" he went on "You were great"
She visibly winced, as though the memory of her behavior offended her in some way. "You really mean that Harry?" she asked him, her expression touchingly unsure.
He wasn't used to seeing Hermione in any way but coolly confident, and it touched something deep inside him. He'd never imagined when he went into this marriage he would fall in love with her. But he did and he wouldn't change it if he could.
He didn't think she needed reassuring, or protecting, but it seemed she did now.
"Of course I meant it," he said warmly "Like I said last night Mione. We're married. Whatever we do together is acceptable"
Her eyes flared wide "What… what do you mean? Surely he wouldn't want her again. Hadn't last night been a mere chance to relieve himself.
"I'm just saying we are husband and wife. There's no need to feel ashamed about what we did," he said smiling softly at her.
"So, sex in a loveless marriage is okay" she said sharply, and turned her attention to her coffee making. The thought of him making love to her, just to do it; hurt her deeply.
"I wasn't suggesting it" he was quick to say. She could feel Harry's frowning eyes on her. He must be wondering what kind of weirdo he married.
And I am a weirdo, she though unhappily as she picked up the mug and moved over to the sink. A screwed up, emotionally scarred, seriously warped weirdo!
Hermione was adding some cold water to the steaming brew and wishing she could take back the last couple of minutes for an instant replay when Harry's arms wrapped around her waist.
"Oh" she cried out "Harry what are you doing?" she gasped.
A rather silly question, She knew exactly what he was doing, his hands by this point having successfully slipped under her shirt and over her braless breast.
Finally a moan broke from her lips, her head dropping back against his shoulder. Harry placed light kisses down her neck. He wanted her. Needed to feel her again. This woman tore at his senses, made him want to do things to her, things he never wanted to do to another woman before.
By then all her earlier worries about there being consequences to her behavior last night had dissolved to nothing. Clearly Harry liked her like this. She liked him like this, too.
The phone ringing splintered apart the atmosphere of tender intimacy that had wound around them.
"We don't have to answer it" Harry said straight away "But it might be important" she said after a few seconds. "Damn it to hell" he groaned, "You have to answer it," she said already easing away from him
He sighed pulling away from her "Yes, all right. But I'm not going to be very nice when I answer" his eyes wander over her body before he turned away to grab the phone.
Hermione leaned against the counter; she could hear Harry talking from the other room. Maybe this was what lovemaking should be. A man and a woman coming together as one. Passionately, spontaneously and uninhibitedly.
Harry was right. They were married. What did it matter if he didn't love her? She was in deep thought when Harry wrapped his arms tightly around her and drew her back against him. She sighed with total satisfaction at the moment.
"I have to go for a little while. You going to be all right here, by yourself" he said. "Of course, but where you going" she said turning around.
"Ron, Seamus and I have to go to Hogwarts" "Hogwarts" she said wrinkling her brow.
"Why are you going to Hogwarts on a Saturday?" "Well I didn't want to say anything" he sighed "But apparently Dumbledore has recommended Draco for a job at the ministry. They have placed him in my Department actually"
Hermione gasped, what if he blabbed to Harry? everything would be ruined. Harry chuckled at her response "I know I was shocked too. But don't worry I plan on talking to Dumbledore and settling the matter before Monday"
She laughed nervously "Do you think he'll listen to you. I mean it can't be good for Draco to be working so close to the ministry. What if he doesn't Harry? Draco could ruin a lot of people's lives. He could say and do crazy things. You have to make Dumbledore see reason."
She was babbling, "Whoa, whoa. Calm down." Harry said, "I won't allow that to happen. I'll talk to Dumbledore and he'll listen. Damn, Mione, you're a wreck." He said wrapping her in a hug.
"Are you okay? What is it?" he asked "Nothing …I just don't want anything to happen to you" she whispered, she couldn't even look at him. She had to talk to Draco before he said anything to Harry. If he got to him first, there was no telling what Harry would do to him or her.
"Hey" he said turning her around. One of his hands cupped her chin and turned her head around just enough for him to look into her eyes.
"There is nothing Draco can do to hurt me. I have the upper hand remember" she nodded even though he was wrong.
She didn't have the guts to tell him Draco knew about Ashlynn and he was prepared to take her. "Everything will work out trust me." He winked before releasing her chin.
"I'm going to take a shower, Ron should be here soon" "Okay" she said placing a smile on her face to hide the panics that threaten her inside.
Harry seemed satisfied by her reaction cause he headed off to the bathroom "Don't worry about a thing" she heard him call from the other room.
Don't worry, how could she not worry. She had to see Draco and it couldn't wait.
Ginny stood in the front room of Malfoy Manor watching the house elf's scamper back and forth. The house had been more beautiful than she expected and much bigger. When she first stepped inside she held her breath. The house was elegantly designed with no flaws.
She stroked the railing of the staircase admiring the fine architect of the design. "Weasley, take your hands off my staircase and get the hell out of house"
Ginny dropped her hand, looking up toward the staircase as Draco walked down eyeing her with total disgust.
"Who let you in here?" he demanded gruffly as he reached the bottom step. Ginny stepped back slightly feeling uneasy.
"Your house elf let me in," she told him "I…I wanted to talk to you" Turning to eye the house elf standing by the door "I'll deal with you later" he hissed.
"I don't see what we possibly have to say to each other Weasley" he snapped "I don't deal with the likes of your kind"
"My kind" she cried "I'm a wizard just like you Malfoy" "Not a very decent one" he challenged walking toward the living room.
"I trust you know the way out" he called over his shoulder. Ginny stood alone once again in the foyer. How dare he belittle her and walk away. She came to get answers and she wasn't leaving without them.
Storming ahead toward the living room she sung open the door "Your still here?" he mumbled pouring him self a stiff drink.
"I told you I came to talk and I'm not leaving till we do" Smiling she tossed her purse on to the couch and sat down. Draco couldn't help but smirk. So the Weasley girl had spunk. He had to admit he admired the trait. He figured he would humor himself and she what she had to say.
"Fine, you have five minutes, and not a second more" he said downing his drink in one gulp. "What are you doing to Harry?" There she said now she would sit back and let him answer.
He slammed down the glass causing her to jump. His mind wondered to his daughter. "What am I doing to Harry?" he repeated. "It's always Potter"
"Potter stole my daughter and my girl. I'm free to do as I please when it comes to him" he bit out. Ginny looked at Draco in total confusion. Draco smirked as the sudden realization hit him. She didn't know.
"Awe I see Hermione stayed with her dirty secret" he laughed. Of course they didn't know. So her and Potter choose to lie to their friends as well.
"Harry stole your daughter and your girl; your mad Malfoy" Ginny said, "It appears you need help and a lot of it"
Draco laughed, full-blown laughed, "No it appears Hermione didn't tell anyone about the man in her life. The man before Harry"
"What are you saying?" Ginny said wrinkling her brow "You know nothing about Mione. There was nobody but Harry. It will always be Harry"
Something about her comment hit him like a brick. He refused to let her believe that. "You are the one who knows nothing. I know more about Hermione then many people know. Her and I were close once upon a time" he paused facing Ginny.
"You see that man before Harry was me. Due to that union, a child was born. The very child Harry parades to the whole world. She is my daughter and Potter stole her from me"
Ginny sat speechless. This couldn't be true. Yet somehow she believed him. Draco Malfoy hated Muggles and everything they stood for. Why would he claim to father a child with one? And not just one, Hermione nonetheless.
A million thoughts ran through her mind, why didn't she see it before. The hurried marriage between Hermione and Harry, when no one knew they were dating. The surprised pregnancy following shortly after.
She should have known, Hermione had been acting strangely since Draco's surprising return and this explained it.
It explained something else too; Harry's sudden hatred for Draco.
Finally looking up she found her self pitying Draco. He made it difficult to know him but even he didn't deserve this pain.
Draco rolled his eyes noticing the look she gave him "Save your pity for someone who wants it Weasley." Growling with contempt, he stood in front of the fireplace.
He masked his pain with the flames from the fire. He had enough with pity; it would all be useless soon enough. As soon as he had his daughter and Hermione back. Potter would need it.
"How did you and Hermione come to be" she spoke cautiously as she approached the fireplace. "Look here Weasley, I don't like you anymore than you like me. So don't expect me to pour my heart out to you."
"Besides your five minutes is up. You got the answer you wanted, now leave"
"I just want to understand," she said softly placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. He shrugged her touch rather rudely. "Weasley back off already, this has nothing to do with you," he barked moving closer to the fire.
Sighing with defeat she let her hand fall to her side. "Fine, if that's what you want I'll go, but only for now. I fully intend to get to the bottom of this"
Grabbing her purse from the couch to heading toward the door. Stopping in the doorway to turned to the man who looked tormented and sighed.
"And your wrong you know. I lost Harry to her, so if this is all true" she paused "it has everything to do with me"
Draco could hear the click of her high heels as she made her way out, telling him he was alone. Part of him wanted to call her back. He hated feeling alone.
He groaned, damn he was going crazy without Hermione. He must really hurry. Obviously he was desperate for company if he was considering calling back the Weasley girl.
He smirked as voices carried from the foyer. The idiot came back. He had to hand it to her she didn't give up. He admitted the bright young witch had spunk. "Master's right this way miss" he heard the elf say.
He mental noted to himself to deal with the insufferable creature later. He did after all tell her not to allow visitors.
"Thank you" he heard and his heart stopped. Impossible, his ears were deceiving him. It couldn't be.
"Hello Draco" looking up he held his breath. There she stood basked in the light from the window. An angel from god, the only reason he defied his father. She looked so beautiful it almost made him forget he was thoroughly upset with her. ALMOST.
"Hello, Hermione"
Well chapter 8 is here. Hope you guys like it. Please review and let me know. Chapter 9 will be out later today or tomorrow.