Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the plot and my characters!
AN: Sorry for the long wait everyone, I've been busy with finals and all but now that is all over and I'm more free now. I will try to update more. And now i will also try to repond to my reviewers! D
Armaan-Jassi Goku-lover21- Hello there, thank you! Yes I too notice that i use the cafe shop a lot! I don't know maybe i like going there myself! hahah I'm at the cafe alot with friends so that where are the good stuff happens!
lovetoseeswimgod360swim- Thanks! I'm glad you like and do hope you continue to read.
dbzgtfan2004- haha cute yes! Sad, a little but I still really hope you like! Thanks! and yes Harry and Hermione forever!
scullymulder- THANK YOU! haha wow I'm glad you think so! I'm not intelligent but its so great to hear someone say that, and I hope you continue to read this story!
luthien-yavetil- hehe yesh H/Hr!
LikeMe- Thank you so much! I'm looking forward to see some more reviews!
Chapter 4- Something New
The funeral came and goes and Harry felt more comfortable then he thought he might. Or maybe it was due to a certain lady keeping him company. He couldn't get his mine off this girl all night and thought he should do something about it.
"Hermione?" he asked casually as Hermione slowly turn around from the steps to her flat.
"Yes, Harry?"
"I was wondering, if you like to go for a bite some times or a drink." Harry asked feeling a bit nervous since it has been ages since he have asked anyone out.
"Oh" Hermione uttered in surprise.
"It's nothing really. Something so I can get to know a new friend. Not a date, no well unless you want it to be." Harry muttered rather quickly.
"Well," Hermione started feeling the heat increasing on her face, "I would love to Harry and as whatever you like it to be." Hermione finished smiling at him.
"Wonderful," Harry replied feeling relieve that she agreed, "I'll pick you up tomorrow night at 8. Is that fine with you?" he asked.
"Perfect." Hermione replied smiling widely, "It's a date then." Hermione finished and turned around but not before she can catch Harry's content expression due to her statement. She got to her door, opened it and got in. Turning to face Harry who was still on the stairway, she bid her farewell, "Till tomorrow Harry." And then she closed the door.
"Till then" Harry uttered to himself feeling extremely pleased.
In the car Harry was planning for tomorrow's dinner with Hermione when a phone call interrupted him.
"Hello?" Harry answered.
"Master Potter?" A man spoke.
"Yes, what is it Alfred?"
"Miss and Mrs. Weasley are here to see you. They don't seem to happy sir." Alfred told him.
"Thanks Alfred, just sit them in the drawing and room and till them I'm on my way." Harry exclaimed and hanged up and he picked up speed. He was home in matter of minutes and rushed to accompany his guests. Although Harry was not close with the Ron Weasley, he was pretty much family to the rest of the Weasley family. Finally arriving at his drawing room Harry calmed down, took a breath before entering.
"Mater Harry is-" the guard started to announce before interrupted by Mrs. Weasley's loud outburst.
"Harry! There you are my dear. Where have you been? Didn't you forget that we were supposed to meet today?" she said giving Harry a big hug.
"Hello Mrs. Weasley, Ginny" he greeted Mrs. Weasley and gave the only Weasley's daughter a slight nod.
"Evening Harry" Ginny replied politely.
"Please, do sit and we can discuss this over tea." Harry suggested, leading Mrs. Weasley over to the expensive looking chairs.
"Harry, you forgot again. Ginny was waiting for hours and you didn't show up." Mrs. Weasley started as Ginny lowered her head.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Weasley but something important ca-" Harry replied but was cut off.
"Something always comes up Harry. You have to take advantage of things like this. Ginny is a beautiful girl and she is not going to wait forever Harry." She told him to his disappointment. He hated when others budded in his personal life but he can't really say anything to Mrs. Weasley since she took care of him when he had no family.
"I'm a busy man Mrs. Weasley. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to forget it's just that-" and once again he was interrupted.
"Its ok Harry. I understand you are very busy. We can go out some other time." This time it was Ginny.
"How about tomorrow for dinner?" Mrs. Weasley suggested looking at Harry and he feels like she is trying to tell him she's not taking 'no' for an answer. "If you don't say anything, that's a yes then. Ok, tomorrow night it is. Pick her up at 7 Harry, and not a minute later." She concluded as she got up pulling her daughter with her.
"But…" Harry started
"There's no 'buts' Harry. I'm just looking out for your future. Ginny and you will make a perfect future." She told him as a matter-of-factly. With that said she took her daughters arm and left, leaving a dumbfound man not knowing what to do at the present time.
"Sometimes I would like to strangle that woman…" Alfred stated standing at the door.
"Alfred! She's as close as family. You know better then that." Harry exclaims but he too was feeling the same way.
"We all do respect master, but she is trying to run your life and I find that unacceptable. The only person worthy to run your life is yourself sir." The old man commented.
"I know, but she's just trying to look out for me." Harry tries to redeem her.
"If you ask me sir, it looks like she is just securing her daughter's position in society which will end up securing hers." Alfred pointed out.
"No, she's not like that. She is the Minister's wife after all. Alfred, lets not assume ok? Now help me solve a problem." Harry told him.
"As you wish sir. May I ask what problem this is?" Alfred.
"Ok, before I got home tonight I asked Hermione out, remember her?" Harry said and Alfred nodded and then he got it. "Yeah, now I have two dates, one I don't really want to go to but have to. What should I do?" Harry asked.
"Well sir, you can always take Miss Ginny Weasley at 7 and leave early and go with Miss Granger. That way you don't have to spend much time with Miss Weasley." Alfred suggested.
"Fantastic Alfred, I knew you came in handy." Harry said happily.
"You're welcome sir. Glad to know that I'm good for something." Alfred said before walking out after sharing a slight smile with the boss.
The next day, Harry was very anxious to meet Hermione again that he skipped work again. He still hasn't gotten a plan yet to where is going to take Hermione. He decided to take Ginny to Grande Duple because it was close to her mansion, which helps the transportation a bit. The day came fast and Harry was more and more nervous about the whole situation. He really hoped that everything works out fine. It was now 6:45 in the evening and he got ready and was on his way to the Grand Burrow the name of the Weasley's new mansion which was not as big as Harry's but still big enough to make a regular wizard ooze over. He pulled up aside the drive way as he found that it has started to rain. Oh, great. He thought to himself. He conjured an umbrella with his wand less magic and made his way to the front door and rang the extremely huge doorbell. After about 10 seconds the door slowly opened and the guards greeted him as he passed by.
"Harry, you're on time. Must be anxious for tonight aren't you?" Mrs. Weasley's voice came about.
"Hello Mrs. Weasley" Harry said as he took and gave her hand a gentle kiss. "Delighted" Harry commented about her last statement. Mrs. Weasley whom has completely missed the sarcasm in his comment smiled and called out for Ginny. In minutes Ginny emerged from the spiral staircase dress in an elegant red dress that matches her hair. Harry wasn't much shock because he has seen Ginny dressed up before at balls and formal dinners.
"You look great tonight." Harry commented as she reached him. She smiled at him but thought that he could have said something better like 'beautiful' or 'gorgeous' but she brushed it off and is determine to have a good time with Harry. Harry, being his polite self, extended his arm and Ginny took and he led her to his car. The Jaguar.
They arrived at Grand Duple 10 minutes later.
"Potter, for two please" Harry told the clerk.
"Right this way sir." The young man led the two to their table.
"This is lovely Harry." Ginny told him.
"I'm glad you think so." Harry replied.
From the minute they ordered to the time the food arrived no much was said between the two and Harry felt guilty. Although he was feeling like a bad guy with Ginny, he can't help but think that he was able to see Hermione again. He kept glancing at his watch every now and then to make sure he wasn't going to be late. It was now 7:47 and Harry was getting nervous. He didn't know how to tell Ginny that he needs to go on another date. Scenting that something was up Ginny asked,
"Harry is everything alright? You haven't touched your food and you keep looking at your watch."
"Oh, um I-" Harry started then his phone rang. It was Alfred. Thank God he said silently. "Hello? Yes, really? Ok, I'll be right there." Harry finished and turn to Ginny who looked rather put down. "Ginny, I'm sorry but I have to go. Alfred will be here to take you home. Again, I'm truly sorry this is not your ideal night out."
"It's ok Harry. Your work is more important, maybe next time." Ginny told him.
"Thanks for understanding Ginny. I'll see you some other time." With that he almost ran out the place. After about 10 minutes Ginny too got up and exited the restaurant where a limo was awaiting her.
On the other hand, Harry was speeding to Hermione's place. He had about 2 minutes remaining when he arrived at her flat. Pulling out an umbrella, he walked towards his destination.
Ding-dong
The door then opened revealing a very charming young lady in a simple black dress atop by a cream like coat. To him, no words can describe what he is presented to. His breath was taking away.
"Right on time Mr. Potter. Not many men would actually be on time." Hermione spoke up.
"Well, not many men is going on a date with a beautiful stranger like you." Harry commented making Hermione blush. "And yes, you look astonishing tonight." He finished.
"Thank you. You look handsome yourself." Hermione replied and Harry smiled while suggesting her to take his arm as he led her to the car closely by his side.
"Exactly where are we going?" Hermione asked once both were in the car.
"You'll find out soon enough" Harry looked over and told her.
About 30 minutes of driving and little conversations they were finally at their destination.
"Hermione welcome to Gordic's Hollow or in other words my home. " Harry said as he pulled into his mansion's drive way.
"This is where you live? Wow, it's magnificent." She replied still shocked.
"It looks better in the day time." Harry told her as he got out the car, "wait, and don't get out yet…" he said as he ran to the other side and opened the door for her.
"Oh, the gentleman you are." Hermione joked
"Come on," Harry said as he took her hand and led her to these grand double doors which opened as they neared.
"Welcome Master Potter and welcome Miss Granger…" were the words that greeted her as she spotted about 10 people lined up waiting for them.
"Harry…" she whispered and he just chuckled.
"These are my employees but I treat them like family. They will be preparing our dinner tonight." Harry told her in a low voice.
"Oh, ok." Hermione replied then smiled at everyone as she passed by. For some odd reasons everyone seem to be really happy. She didn't know if it was because they were always this way or if it was something else. Then she heard Harry call out.
"Dobby!" he yelled
"Master Potter sir, you are home and this must be Master's Miss Granger. Dobby is honored" A voice said, a voice belonging to a little elf.
"Hermione, this is Dobby my house elf." Harry told her.
"Pleasure to meet you Dobby and I've read about elves before but never get to meet one." Hermione utter extending her hand for Dobby to shake who just stood there not knowing what to do. Hermione giggled at the little elf's confused expression and just pulled her hand back. Harry was smiling through the entire encounter.
"Dobby I want you to call me when dinner is ready. I want to take Miss Granger here on a tour of the place." Harry informed him.
"Yes Master Harry sir. Master Harry Potter just go enjoy himself and Dobby will tell him when dinner is served." Dobby said before popping out.
"Shall we?" Harry asked and Hermione replied with a gentle smile and followed him on the grand tour.
They were head down to the car room when Alfred arrived requesting to speak with Harry.
"Sir, there is an important phone call for you." He informed him.
"Tell them to call me back later, I'm busy." Harry told him.
"It's Mrs. Weasley, sir." Alfred and heard Harry's little 'oh'. Harry knowing that he should go take the call bid Hermione a good bye for now kiss on the hand before stocking away asking Alfred to show her the car room.
"Right this way Miss." Alfred led the way.
"This Mrs. Weasley must be important." Hermione said.
"She's the Minister's wife and master sees her as a segregated mother." Alfred notifies her.
"Oh, I see. Wow, there is a lot of cars." Hermione yelp when she saw all the cars neatly parked one beside the other.
"Yes, master does have a fascinating interest in muggles' vehicles. This one is his first car" Alfred said as he pointed to an old convertible Saab.
"What's that one over there? The one covered?" Hermione asked as she spotted it in the far corner of the room.
"That is Master's favorite car." Alfred mention with a slight frown. "It was his and late Miss Pupp." He added.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry." Hermione said in a lower voice.
"We all are. She was the kindest lady you'll ever meet. They were engaged but there was a war at the time and things happen. Mr. Potter never uses this car ever again." Alfred continues to tell Hermione. "Please, don't mention this to him. He's been through enough. I'm very glad to see that you Miss had made our Master smile more then he did in years." Alfred finished as Hermione blushed at his comment.
After touring close to half the mansion it was time for dinner although Harry hasn't come back yet. Hermione was thinking how this Miss. Pupp must have been like or looks like. She was interested in knowing about the woman whom captures Harry Potter's heart and still does. She was so into her thoughts that she didn't hear Harry coming.
"Sorry for the wait. She just wouldn't let me go." Harry apologizes before taking his seat next to her.
"Oh, um it's ok by the way you have a lovely house." Hermione added.
"Well then, lets eat." Harry said as the food started to arrive.
After dinner Harry showed her the rest of the house. He led her into the ballroom which looks like one of those fancy ones she sees in magazines. She was in awe and loves the place. Hermione has a soft spot for classical dancing such as the waltz and rumba or even tango. She was just standing there taking in the delightful décor when Harry asked her to dance.
"May I?" Harry asked as he bowed down with his arms extended. Hermione was surprise at his request but accept nonetheless. She slowly place one arm on his shoulders as he gently place one hand on her waist and took her other hand in his.
"Ready?" Harry asked softly and Hermione nodded. Music started to play as the two danced smoothly with one another. Harry had felt something that he hasn't felt in a long time. It felt warmth and happiness. He slowly pulled Hermione closer into him and she place her head on his shoulders. Form the far room Alfred stand watching the two with a genuine smile on his face feeling happy for his master.
"You would be so proud of him." He looked up and said softly, than there was another voice replying to him. This time it was a woman's voice.
"I am father." She said looking down to him. It was the ghost of Madison Pupp smiling down on the dancing couple below her feeling happy for her Harry. Alfred smiled at her again and walked away.
"Let's them be alone." He told his daughter and the two were gone.
After about an hour of dancing that seems like eternity Hermione mention the time.
"It's getting late I must get going." Hermione said pulling away.
"Oh yeah, it is." Harry said softly missing the warmth of her head on his shoulders. "It's still raining and it is pretty dark, how about you stay the night and I'll take you home tomorrow morning?" Harry asked wishing she would say yes.
"Well, I…" Hermione started to say not sure if she should agree. She looked up at him and saw the wishful ness in his eyes and she couldn't bring herself to say no. "I guess. It's for the better." She finished as she saw his eyes light up in joy.
"Great, I'll show you to a room and ask the house keeper to bring you up some clothes." Harry said in a happier tone. Hermione just smiled and followed him to her room.
"Here is the room you will stay in. Mine is just straight down this hall. It's about 3 rooms away." Harry told her, pointing to his room down the hall. "Good night Hermione" He said waiting for her to enter her room.
"Good night Harry." She greeted him before turning around.
"Hermione, wait-" He said abruptly.
"Yes, Harry…" she replied turning back around.
"Can- may I give you a kiss good night…?" Harry asked softly making Hermione blush.
"Yes Harry, you may…" Hermione replied loving the fact that he asked first.
Harry slowly leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips, loving the feel of it on his. Although it was short, but it was sweet and Hermione would welcome those any time.
"Thanks Harry." Hermione whisper before turning into her room leaving Harry there by himself.
"No, thank you…" Harry said before turning to his own room.
