Valentines day part 2
Many a curious shopper turned and stared bemusedly at the scene unfolding in front of them. The sight of two Hogwarts students wouldn't normally draw so much as a second glance from the denizens of Hogsmeade, this time, however, these two particular students seemed to be drawing many a curious stare or indulgent smile. As they made their way through the crowd, Ron tried to temper their passage with a few well placed "pardon us" or "excuse us please." Hermione, on the other hand, seemed to have cast her normal concern for etiquette out the window as she pulled Ron along behind her. The task of balancing Hermione's load of books in one arm and keeping Hermione from pulling his other arm out of socket was taking all of Ron's concentration when they arrived in front of the cottage.
Hermione paused for a moment on the small porch of the cottage and ran her fingers along the polished wood plaque that proclaimed the name of the cottage 'Padfoot's Place' and looked over her shoulder at Ron a question in her eyes.
"It just seemed right, and we do owe Sirius," Ron stated in response to Hermione's questioning look.
The warmth of the smile Hermione gave him made his knees weak and he took a deep breath as Hermione took her key out of the pocket and opened the door.
"Lolly, are you about?" Hermione called out as they entered.
"Today is Lolly's day off, love," Ron answered setting Hermione's books down on the table inside the door.
"Is it really?" she said turning and smiling at him.
The smile she gave him reminded him just a bit of the way she smiled when Professor Snape asked a question he was certain that no one knew the answer to and she answered it as soon as he words were out of his mouth. She was very proud of something and she was never one to keep her triumphs hidden. So, it was with only a bit of surprise that Ron felt Hermione fling herself at him as soon as he had set the stack of books down. This was one of Hermione's favorite things to do when they were alone, she seemed to love nuzzling his chest with her face and in all honesty he enjoyed it a great deal as well.
What did surprise him was the way her hands wrapped around his waist and then moved down to grab his bum. Ron's could sense her growing excitement as he pulled his face from her hair and looked down at her. She looked up at him with a wicked grin on her face.
"I have been wanting to do that for a long time," She admitted her grin widening and just the faintest touch of pink to her cheeks.
"Why Miss Granger, are you trying to tell me that you have lustful thoughts about a fellow student?" Ron asked in mock surprise
"No Mr. Weasley, I am trying to show you," With that she pulled hard and pressed herself against him.
To say Ron was a bit taken aback at Hermione's forwardness was an understatement, but all of his thoughts washed away when she ran her hands through his hair and pulled his head down to hers.
As soon as their lips met, Hermione ran her tongue slowly along Ron's lips. The sensation caused Ron to inhale and Hermione took advantage of his open mouth to sweep her tongue inside. Hermione's boldness seemed to have inflamed his senses and he leaned into her reveling in the feel of her body against his.
Ron found his sense's assaulted by a flood of sensation that threatened to overwhelm him. The faint scent of Hermione's shampoo mixed with the sharp clean scent of her skin and then beyond that was a deeper, musky scent. This was the scent of his mate, the smell of his woman and it threatened to drive him mad. His muscles tensed as he restrained his desire to let his animal instincts run wild.
Ron couldn't decide which was more arousing, the feel of her hair cascading over his fingers or the little sounds she made deep in her throat as their tongues slid over each other. What he needed no help in deciding was the effect she was having on him. Ron noticed with growing trepidation that his trousers were growing increasingly uncomfortable, so much so that Hermione was certain to notice if he didn't do something fast. Ron had gone to great pains to keep this particular effect of Hermione's hidden. There were plenty of stories told at Hogwarts of blokes that pressured girls into doing things they weren't ready for and Ron would do everything he could to keep Hermione from feeling that way. He didn't need his instincts taking over completely and scaring her.
Ron broke away from Hermione and took a step back. Hermione moved forward eager to maintain the contact between them. With a shudder and a low growl, Ron raised his hands and placed them on her shoulders.
"Wait a second love," Ron spoke a little hoarse.
Confusion was evident on Hermione's face " Wha..what is it Ron? Did I do something wrong?" she frowned and bit her lip. Her tousled appearance made him want to pull her back to him and continue what they had begun.
A low rueful chuckle escaped Ron's mouth "On the contrary love you were doing things too well. I just need a moment to ummm calm down."
Hermione still looked confused for one moment and then a smile split her face, along with a deep blush which added even more color to her already flushed face.
"Ohhhh I see," she teased. She took his hand and led him over to the coach, never taking her eyes off of his face. She sat down and pulled him down beside her.
Her face grew serious, it was almost comic with her curls mussed from his hands not moments before. "I love the way you try so hard not to do something that would make me feel uncomfortable, but Ron I'm not totally innocent. I know what effect that our snogging has on you and honestly I like that I have that effect. Now, I don't expect us to be shagging each other senseless anytime soon but you can snog me until I'm cross eyed and I won't complain."
The incongruity of Hermione serious expression, her tousled hair, and the subject matter at hand caused Ron to laugh out loud.
"So you think I'm funny ehh Weasley?" Hermione asked pushing Ron's shoulder.
When Ron nodded through his laughter, Hermione reached out and started to tickle him lightly on the ribcage. Ron couldn't let this go unchallenged and soon the cottage echoed with shrieks and laughter. Soon however Hermione had managed to maneuver herself on top of Ron and the laughing stopped. Blue eyes met brown and Ron felt like he was hit with a lightning bolt. The necklaces and his lion's instincts only making the effects of her closeness even more pronounced for the both of them. He saw his desire mirrored in Hermione's face. He slowly ran his hands up her sides and wound them into her curls easing her face slowly towards his own. Hermione watched him and met his lips with her own. The last coherent thought Ron was capable of was, "I wonder if she really could snog me cross eyed?"
Later, Hermione had worked her way down his neck and had been kissing the base of his neck when suddenly she sat up and looked at Ron, "Weren't we going to meet some people at Three Broomsticks?"
Ron's eyes went wide and he swung his head around looking for the clock.
"Shite, we're late," he cursed. They both jumped to their feet looking for their cloaks and straightening their clothes.
Hermione stood in front of a mirror trying to tame her wild curls while Ron paced impatiently behind her, "Don't worry Ron it's only a few minutes."
Ron swung around sharply to look at her, "Yeah a few minutes, with the Slytherins."
Hermione turned white and took her cloak from him as they ran out the door towards Three Broomsticks as fast as they could.
Ron jerked open the door of the pub and rushed inside to see Daphne and Blaise Zambini facing off against the Gryffindor sixth years along with Luna, Ginny, and Susan Bones. Both groups looked incredibly uncomfortable.
"So, sorry I'm late," Ron said as he approached them.
All of the students turned to look at him and he could tell right away that Daphne was furious with him and everyone else seemed almost relieved to see him.
"Daphne, Blaise, glad you could make it," Ron said offering his hand to Blaise but looking down at the blond girl with a smile hoping she would stop staring daggers at him.
Blaise shook his hand and looked him over carefully. Blaise stood only an inch or two shorter than Ron, his dark hair and fashionable clothes were immaculate. Ron fought his embarrassment at his own shabby attire and rumpled appearance. Blaise played Chaser on the Slytherin Quidditch team Ron remembered, but that was about all he new about the boy that shook his hand. He watched as Blaise looked him over and an odd smirk crossed his face. Ron noticed a couple sniggers coming from Harry and Ginny. Even Daphne looked at him like he had lost his mind.
"Anybody need a drink?" he asked trying to maintain a cheerful tone.
"No thanks, we were just leaving." Daphne said coldly nodding towards Blaise.
Deciding that honesty was the best policy Ron turned to look her in the eye, "Wait. I'm sorry I wasn't here. I got distracted and lost track of time. Please sit down," Ron motioned to the four empty chairs at the table. "Let's all have something to drink."
Daphne opened her mouth to respond when Hermione burst through the door with a shriek and the entire room went silent. Hermione's hair was wild and her face red from running. Her clothes were rumpled and untucked in places. She looked as un-Hermione like as he had ever seen her and Ron knew he was in for it.
"Just because you have such ruddy long legs doesn't mean you can jut leave me behind Ronald Billius Weasley," Hermione growled walking over to the table. Her eyes blazed at him.
Ron swallowed hard and prepared himself to face a very angry Hermione. He had been in such a hurry to get here that he had left Hermione behind and he knew she wouldn't let him off easily.
"Sorry love, I just didn't want things to get…ummmm interesting without me," Ron said motioning towards Daphne and Blaise. He ran a quick hand through the red mop and the sniggers grew louder behind him. He could feel his ears beginning to burn.
Hermione face softened as she noticed the sniggers and smiles of the group around her and the additions. She touched her own wild hair, her cheeks reddening. Her anger disappeared as quickly as it had begun. Hermione reached Ron's side and looked at Daphne and Blaise, noting they were wearing their cloaks, "Were you leaving?" she asked with a frown.
Ron turned back towards the two Slytherins and noticed the amused expressions on their faces, "I think we can stay for a little while," Blaise answered pulling a chair out for Daphne.
Daphne looked at Ron who was glad to see that she was wearing a good-natured smirk on her face. "So Weasley, would Granger happen to be what distracted you?"
The tips of Ron's ears and Hermione's cheeks burned a furious red as laughter spilled out from both groups of students.
"That would explain why Hermione looks like she's been through a windstorm," Seamus added. Hermione sat next to Harry who patted her sympathetically on her shoulder.
"More like a hot air storm if my brother was involved," Ginny added from her seat between Harry and Luna.
Grinning from ear to ear Daphne reached out and pulled down the collar of Ron's school robes exposing a dark red mark on his neck. "It would also explain why Ron looks as if he was lunch for a very hungry vampire."
Even Hermione gasped when Ron's neck was exposed and her handiwork came to light. It looked as if he had been hit with a Bludger the size of Hermione's lips.
"Hermione did that?" Harry asked disbelievingly.
Ginny stood and walked over to get a good look at the enormous love bite. "Merlin Hermione, you don't half do anything do you?"
Hermione stood quickly to inspect his neck. She looked at Ron, embarrassed at the three girls inspecting him rather closely. She took his hand and looked at Daphne as bold as any Gryffindor could be, "I know what's mine."
Daphne roared with laughter along with the rest of the group "You know Granger, I might have misjudged you. That statement was worthy of a Slytherin."
Hermione smiled and looked at Ron for a second before resuming her seat. This time she sat next to Daphne leaving the empty seat between Harry and herself. "It's a good thing for Malfoy that I'm not in Slytherin."
Ron cleared his throat, "Now that everything has calmed down let's all have something to drink." Ron smiled motioning towards the bar to bring a round. He pulled the collar of his shirt up to cover his love bite. Harry gave him a quick thumbs up before returning his attention to Ginny.
When the butterbeers for the group arrived Ron paid for the round and saw the astonished faces of his friends. "Oh, I had a job this summer," he mumbled uncomfortable. Hermione squeezed his knee under the table and changed the subject to Quidditch asking Blaise and Daphne if they played for the Slytherin team.
Everyone seemed excited to discuss their favorite sport and each Houses' chances for the Quidditch Cup.
"We all know that the real contest is between Slytherin and Gryffindor," Blaise Zabini began. "No offense Susan, but Hufflepuff's team this year is a joke and Ravenclaw's seeker is the only decent player they have."
Susan frowned from her seat next to Blaise, but said nothing. Blaise shrugged his shoulders at her as if to say, sorry but it's the truth.
"Yeah Hufflepuff is weaker than usual this year," Harry said grimacing towards Susan who shrugged a second time, "But Ravenclaw has a couple of Chasers that might turn out to be pretty good," he added for Luna's benefit.
"They might be good next year, but they have a steep learning curve ahead of them," Blaise countered.
Daphne broke in, "The whole Quidditch cup is going to come down to if our Beaters can neutralize your Chasers and Seeker. Beater is the only position where Slytherin can match Gryffindor."
"Better not let Malfoy hear you say that," Susan Bones laughed.
"Bugger Malfoy," Blaise snarled, "Some of us are tired of people giving us shite because he's a great prat to everyone."
Lavender nodded from her seat between Dean and Seamus, "I wouldn't want to have to share a common room with him that's for sure, he gives me the creeps."
"You don't know the half of it," Daphne shuddered.
The crowd at the tables got quiet for a moment and Ron cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.
"There's going to be a party in the Room of Requirements tonight after the dance. I was just thinking it would be great if you guys could come," he said looking at the Slytherins.
Daphne and Blaise looked at each other for a moment and Blaise nodded and Ron could have sworn that Blaise had been looking at Daphne out of the corner of his eyes.
"We'll see you there then Ron," Daphne said with a smile.
"Glad to hear it Daphne," Ron added placing his arm around Hermione. He was actually looking forward to the dance later that night. Daphne and Hermione began discussing something about one of the potions they had recently worked on in Snape's class and Ron was glad for the moment to listen to the talk going around him. Harry and Ginny sat together talking to Luna and Neville about some rare magical creature Luna and her father had been researching. Seamus, Dean, Lavender and Parvati were engrossed in gossip about whom was taking whom to the dance that night. Even, Susan and Blaise were deep in conversation about Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Ron enjoyed the quiet moment, relaxed and content for the first time in months until a familiar presence made him sit up in time for, "What are you two doing here?" Malfoy's voice sneered behind them.
The group turned as one to see Malfoy standing there flanked by his usual band of malcontents. Daphne and Blaise stood up as soon as they heard Malfoy's voice.
Ron and Harry remained seated, their wands in their hands. "Let Daphne and Blaise handle this," Hermione whispered to Ron feeling his anger starting to climb.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Daphne asked, her voice snapping like a whip in the now quiet pub. She stood erect, but at least half a head shorter than Malfoy. Blaise beside her looked almost casual staring down Crabbe and Goyle as if he was completely unconcerned and unimpressed by their presence. Crabbe and Goyle for their part were cracking their knuckles and staring back menacingly at Blaise.
"I want to know why two Slytherins would lower themselves to consort with Mudbloods and Blood Traitors?" Malfoy sneered.
"Yes, what ARE you doing here with THESE people?" Pansy added standing at Draco's side.
Ron noted with a chuckle that Blaise rolled his eyes at the sound of Pansy's high-pithced voice and crossed his arms impatiently.
"Give it a rest, not everybody buys into that outdated rubbish," Daphne sighed.
Malfoy dropped his voice lower and stepped towards Daphne pointing his wand at her, "You had best be careful, Greengrass, or you'll end up just like Diggory."
Before anyone had a chance to react, Susan gave a strangled cry and lunged out of her seat, her wand drawn. Only Blaise's quick reflexes caught her before she could hex the Slytherins. Susan struggled against Blaise's grip for a moment until he leaned down and whispered something into her ear. At his words, Susan ceased struggling and looked up at the dark haired boy a question in her face before resuming her seat. Her wand left out on the table for all to see. Ron met Harry's eyes for a moment, both boys ready to jump in. Ron had to admit that he admired the Hufflepuff's spirit.
"You know Malfoy, I would think that you would be a bit more circumspect considering that you are running out of friends," Blaise drawled turning back from Susan to glare at Malfoy. The air crackled with tension at Blaise's words.
"At least my friends know the importance of blood and family," Malfoy shot back his sneer returning.
Ron could tell that Malfoy was working his courage up to pull his wand and he knew that Crabbe, Goyle and Parkinson would follow suit. Not sure how the rest of his friends would respond, Ron stood up and moved over to stand just behind Daphne. Two against four were not good odds in his book.
Blaise ignored him, but Daphne looked a bit surprised and opened her mouth to say something when Katie Bell walked through the door.
"It's time for everybody to head back to the castle," She announced before noticing the tension in the room, "Is there a problem here?" she asked Ron approaching them all with a frown.
The pub was quiet for just a moment before Malfoy responded, "Not at all, I was just letting my housemates know I was concerned for them," Malfoy sneered at the Head Girl before taking Pansy by the arm and leaving. Crabbe, Goyle, and several other Slytherins seated in the room hurried out behind him.
A/N Justa little note to thank belanna30 for all of her help again. You guys can't imagine how much help she has really been.