"Are you ready?" Harry asked as he grabbed her hand and gave it a warm squeeze. He saw Hermione look back at the big castle behind them. He knew she was sad to leave. It was not just the building she was leaving behind, it was the path she had wanted to take for her career. He saw her take a steadying breath before turning to him with a sad but also hopeful smile.
"I think I am." Hermione was nervous about this new adventure. She prayed things went alright. As she held Harry's hand she couldn't help but feel a bit nervous and also excited at the prospect of living under the same roof. The familiar pull of apparition sent her reeling. When Hermione opened her eyes she was surprised by her surroundings. "Where are we? This doesn't look like Grimmauld place." Green. That's all she could see. Green grass, green trees, and blue sky. There were wild flowers scattered about and ahead lay a dirt road that seemed to wind through the trees and around a bend not far ahead. It was a stark contrast to the dark and dirty street she was expecting to arrive on. Looking to Harry she saw a twinkle in his eye as he gave her a smile that exuded pure joy and trickery.
"You would be correct. This is not Grimmauld Place," Harry said with a nod kissing her hand.
"But, I don't understand. Is this just a pit stop along the way? Is this why you insisted on side along apparition?" Hermione asked him. She couldn't keep the slight excitement of this surprise from her voice.
Harry chuckled lightly to see her trying to work things out. He was pleased to note that she sounded somewhat excited. "This is why I insisted on side along, yes. But it is not a pit stop it is THE stop." Harry said as he led her along the dirt road and around the bend.
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked. "Don't tell me you have some romantic house hidden in the country side." She said as she rolled her eyes with pure sarcasm.
Harry said with a grin, "Actually, that is exactly what I have." He came around the bend in the road and looked to Hermione to see her reaction to the view. Ahead of them sat a rather old, but well-kept manor house. The walls were of chiseled stone. It was two stories high with several windows. Stone steps led to a large porch area and a fine wooden door. The house was large but not over baring. It's roof line slopped pleasantly and the flowers and potted plants surrounding it gave it a cheery and welcoming feel. Harry watched Hermione stop in her tracks as her eyes grew big. She inhaled sharply and let it out slowly.
Hermione couldn't quite fathom what was happening. In front of her stood a grand house that looked like something she would have dreamed up out of a classic novel. With nothing but a whisper she asked, "This is…? This is yours? How? Why didn't you mention it? I can't…it's like a dream."
Harry heart thudded loudly in his chest. This was what he wanted for her. He was all too happy to see her here, looking at the manor as if it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. "It is mine. I inherited it when I turned of age. Apparently, it has been in the Potter family for quite some time. When I found out about it I came to see it and I knew I wanted to live here eventually. I hadn't planned on moving in quite so quickly but when we decided to live together I moved up my plans. Grimmauld was no place for a lady to live. I couldn't subject you to it's darkness. I thought this might be more fitting." Harry concluded his explanation and found his arms immediately full of the girl beside him. She landed an energetic kiss on his lips which he returned with equal enthusiasm. "So, you like it, I take it?"
Hermione giggled with pure delight, "I love it! I never expected this!"
"Well, if you like the outside so much, you might want to see the inside," Harry said taking her arm. "Shall we?"
Hermione nodded and let him lead her inside where they were promptly greeted by a squeaky voice. "Master Harry, it is so good to see you. And I see that you have brought Ms. Granger. We have supper all prepared for you, and Ms. Grangers rooms are also ready."
Harry smiled down at the house elf and said kindly, "That is wonderful Colbey, thank you. " Harry turned to Hermione and said, "This is Hermione."
The house elf bowed low and said, "Ms. Granger, it is an honor to have you here. I am Colbey. Master Harry has been so excited for you to come. He says many wonderful things about you miss."
Hermione blushed and eyed Harry with a raised eyebrow, "Does he now?" Hermione couldn't contain her grin as Harry reddened and gave her a shrug. Turning back to the house elf she said, "It is good to meet you as well, though I am surprised by it."
Colby nodded his head several times, "Yes, Master wanted you to be surprised."
"Well, I certainly am." Hermione declared.
"I will just go tell Biddy that you are here." With a little hop the house elf was off.
Hermione turned to Harry and eyed him as if a scolding was coming. He quickly held up his arms to explain. "Don't give me that look! The house elves came with the manor. They have been living here for a long time keeping the place up. I know how you feel about them but honestly they love their work and I of course treat them with kindness and respect."
Hermione gave him a smile. "I am sure you do. It will be fine. I have come to see that they rely on their work. I simply want to advocate for better treatment of them. " Harry looked relieved as she continued, "Do they have to call you Master Harry though? It may go to your head."
Harry laughed at that and Hermione broke into a grin. "I have been trying to convince them to just call me Harry for weeks. You should be glad it is not Master Potter, like when I first arrived. That was too weird."
Hermione laughed lightly and then let her eyes roam the expansive entry way. A large staircase rose in front of her and it split off in two directions half way up. She could spy a sitting room on one side of the entryway and what looked like a dining room with a large table on the other side. She said vaguely, "Who is Biddy then?"
"Oh, that is Colby's wife. She's a house elf too of course and they keep the house up together. You will like her. She keeps things neat and tidy and cooks amazingly well." Harry said.
Hermione took her eyes off the tall ceiling and turned to Harry, "I thought part of this arrangement included you cooking."
"Indeed, I did say that. I would love to cook for you any time you want. Though, you may need to convince Biddy to let me try. She tends to run a tight kitchen. I have gotten her to allow me to help wash a dish or two but past that she tends to shoo me away." Harry explained.
"I like her already," Hermione declared.
Harry pulled her to his side and kissed her on the cheek. "So, let me show you around." Harry took her arm and led her to the various rooms down stairs. There was a sitting room, a dining room, the kitchen, a wash room, and a study. Upstairs there were several rooms which sat unused along two long hallways at either end of the stairs. Harry showed her his room, which had a large King sized bed, a sitting area and an adjoining bathroom. He then led Hermione to the next door over and said, "This is your room."
Hermione bit her lip in anticipation as Harry slowly opened the door. The first thing to hit her was light. The room was bathed in a large amount of daylight. Harry's room had been bright as well but it seemed that her window was a bit larger and had a little window seat attached. The bed was covered in a lilac comforter with detailed stitch work of various swirling designs in silver thread. The bed was a tall four poster in deep mahogany. There was a desk and chair to one side, an armoire on another wall, and Hermione saw that her trunks were already in the corner waiting for her to unpack. Never, had she felt so peaceful nor had a space as luxurious as this one. She sighed contentedly. "Harry, it's gorgeous." She walked to the window and looked down on green grass and trees. She could see a small fountain just below in garden.
Harry came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. "I do hope you like it. If it's too close to my room and you want more privacy there are plenty of rooms just down the hall a bit that you are welcome to choose from."
"No, I like this one," Hermione said firmly. "I…I want to be near you."
Harry grinned at her declaration and took a long inhale, almost feeling intoxicated by her scent. He leaned his head next to hers and whispered, "There's more."
"More?" Hermione asked.
"Well, you have a bathroom here." Harry indicated a door near the desk. Hermione nodded and quickly looked inside to find a beautiful bathroom with a small tub and shower, complete with a little area with a vanity and mirror. Harry quickly took her hand and led her to yet another door that was set back in the corner where they had entered. Hermione had not noticed it until now. She gave Harry a questioning look and saw his face light up as he said, "I saved the best for last." Harry threw open the door and pulled Hermione inside. He felt her gasp more than he heard it. Her mouth opened a bit but no sound emerged for quite some time as her eyes roamed the room.
"Harry…I…this is wonderful!" Hermione exclaimed. She couldn't seem to believe her eyes. She was standing in a room in which nearly every wall was covered in tall bookshelves. The shelves held the most beautiful array of books in various hues and sizes that it almost made her want to cry. It was a good size room but not so large as to feel like a library. There was a large rug, a comfortable looking couch and chairs in the middle, with tables that held lamps. The bookcases sported ladders that could be pushed around the room to reach the higher volumes of text. The only wall not covered in books was the one that was nearly entirely made up of windows. The view was of the vast expanse of grass and trees behind the manor.
"I did promise you a library. I am glad you approve. I moved all the Black family books, the ones that wouldn't poison or attack you that is, to this room. Apparently this little library has been growing since the manor was first built."
"And you gave me the room that has an adjoining door to it." It was not a question but a statement of disbelief.
"Well, I figured you'd enjoy it the most. The other door is just there and will lead you to the hallway," Harry said pointing to a door on the far corner of the room.
Hermione bit her lip and then smiled and twirled around in excitement. "Oh, Harry! This is more than I ever hoped for! " She moved to his side and kissed him soundly.
Harry held her close and exclaimed, "I do hope you will come out once in a while to say hello to me. Or at the very least, I hope you don't mind if I come in and disturb you on occasion."
Grinning, she replied, "I do hope you'll disturb me quite often. I think I will enjoy this room, and that couch, much more if you were with me. "
"Hmmm, shall we test that theory?" Harry led her to the couch and sat down next to her. He took her face in his hands and gently kissed her. Their hands and lips moved in earnest and after a time they simply sat next to one another in peaceful silence.
"I may never leave." Hermione said.
"You will have to eat eventually," Harry teased.
"No, I mean I may never leave this house. It's enchanting. You may have just doomed yourself to a life with a permanent house guest." Hermione declared.
"How do you know that wasn't my plan all along?" Harry said. His was voice was light and he felt Hermione grin against his shoulder.
"So, it's to be bribery then is it?" Hermione teased.
"Maybe, a little. That and my devilishly handsome, good looks," Harry declared. Hermione laughed, as he knew she would. While the comment was in jest, Harry felt sure that a life spent with Hermione in his house was something he not only would enjoy, but something he deeply wanted.
"Thank you Harry," Hermione said.
"You're very welcome. Now, we better go eat something or Biddy will be upset with us." Harry said. He helped Hermione rise and they quickly made their way down stairs.
The meal was delicious, though Harry worried about the way Hermione pushed the food around her plate more than she actually ate. Later, he led her to her room to let her unpack and settle in before bed. He kissed her softly and told her he would be just down the way if she needed him. He was lying in bed trying to fall asleep but his mind was full of worry, hope, and love. He was grateful the day had gone well. Hermione had not had an attack today. He was grateful for that. It was clear she needed her rest. He rolled over and sunk deeper into his sheets.
Hermione heard a small knock on her door and went to answer it. The small house elf, named Biddy gave her a warm smile. "Hello Miss. I came to help you unpack."
"Please come in." Hermione offered. "I think I can manage on my own but I don't mind the company. I greatly enjoyed dinner. You are a wonderful cook."
"Oh, Miss is too kind. I am glad you enjoyed it. Though, Miss Hermione did not eat very much." The elf fixed her big eyes into a worried expression.
Hermione gave her a small smile and said, "I am sorry if I have offended you."
"No!" Biddy quickly reassured her, "No, I is only wondering if you is well Miss."
"That is very kind of you," Hermione said. "Has Harry explained to you and Colby about my condition?"
"Ah, yes, Master has mentioned it to us so we can be prepared and help." Biddy said nodding sadly. "I is so sorry Miss. I is not wanting to see you hurt."
Hermione's heart warmed at how easily the house elves had come to care for her simply because Harry cared for her. "Thank you, Biddy. Hopefully, it will not happen often. However, the last few days have been hard and I am afraid my appetite has not been what it usually is."
"Biddy understands Miss. Please let me know if anything sounds good and I will make it for you."
"I appreciate that very much, " Hermione said. "Do you think you would allow me and Harry to help in the kitchen on occasion?"
Biddy pulled her brows together and said squeakily, "You is not liking what I is making?"
"No! It's not that at all. Harry simply promised to cook for me and I would love to surprise him sometime with my own baking skills."
"Ah, I is understanding now," Biddy said nodding again. "You is wanting to make Master like you more by making him special treats." Hermione couldn't keep back her chuckle. "And Master is wanting to make you a nice dinner of his own?"
"Um, yes." Hermione conceded.
"I is not usually allowing peoples into my kitchen, but I am thinking it would be alright if you is letting Biddy do the cleaning up afterwards."
"Oh, we wouldn't mind cleaning up our own messes." Hermione offered.
"No, no. I is wanting to do that. You is not knowing where things go." Biddy insisted.
Hermione smiled at the little elf's stubbornness. She may be a house elf but she had quite a forceful personality when she wanted to. Hermione could appreciate that.
"Deal," Hermione agreed.
"Tis nothing Miss. May I help you with that trunk?" Biddy asked approaching a large trunk with various clothes hanging out of it.
"I will manage. I am sure you are tired and wishing to spend time with Colby," Hermione offered.
Biddy smiled at her and nodded but said wisely, "Master Harry is saying you is a very independent witch. I is seeing that. He says you is smart, and kind too. I is glad you have come. Master is lonely. Now he will be happier I is thinking."
Hermione blushed at her bold statement and her heart was pricked hearing that Harry was lonely. She could understand that. She often felt lonely as well. This arrangement would benefit them both in more ways than one. Hermione said goodnight to Biddy and soon settled into bed. Her body felt heavy. She was overjoyed that the day had not ended in another episode. She desperately needed the recovery time. She was still quite tired. She had performed some basic spells while unpacking to more quickly get the job done. She had noticed that her magic didn't seem as strong as it had been a week ago. She also felt more drained afterwards. Worried pierced her heart but she tried to think about something else. Tomorrow she could start scouring the library for more information. With that comforting though, she let the bed envelope her and was soon in deep sleep.
Harry awoke suddenly though he couldn't put his finger on why. He rolled over to see the clock. It was two in the morning. Suddenly a scream pierced the air. Harry immediately shot out of bed and grabbed his wand, his other hand flying to the pendant on his chest, but it was cold. Just as Harry was opening his door Biddy appeared and was clearly distraught. "Miss, is having a terrible dream Master!" Her voice squeaked with worry. Harry didn't respond as he quickly went past her and yanked open Hermione's door. He was grateful she had not locked it. The room was dark and Harry couldn't make out the details of what was happening but he could hear the sheets rustling and heard a low moan. He quickly cast a Lumos and went to the bed. Hermione's eyes were closed but she was tossing and turning. Her lips were pressed in a tight line and her forehead looked shiny with perspiration. Harry quickly climbed on the bed and shook her gently, "Hermione! Hermione wake up. It's a dream. Wake up, love. Come on." At first Hermione recoiled from his touch and continued to moan as if holding back her screams. Harry shook her harder and continued to call to her. Without warning Hermione sat up bold straight and her eyes snapped open. She was panting in an effort to catch her breath and clear her head. Harry stroked her arm and tried to reassure her. "It's alright. It was just a nightmare."
Hermione tried to slow her breathing. It had seemed so real. It always seemed so real. She pressed down the panic of not finding herself in her room at Hogwarts as she remembered that she now lived with Harry. Then as her mind woke up she became aware that he was sitting right next to her. She tried to breathe deeply as she turned to him. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you. I…I must have forgotten to cast the silencing charm." Her voice was a bit shaky.
Harry drew his eyebrows together. "Silencing charm? Hermione, do you have nightmares often?" The thought of her suffering alone for nights on end trapped in nightmares on top of everything else made his stomach churn. He watched her turn a bit red with embarrassment.
Hermione shook her head as if to ward off the very thought of her dreams. "No…I mean I do have them…sometimes. Not a lot but…a couple times a week I guess." She pulled her legs up and wrapped her arms around them as if trying to shield herself.
Harry's heart broke for her. He knew the pain of nightmares and sleepless nights all too well. "Hermione, I don't ever want you to cast a silencing charm, alright?" She didn't look at him or answer him. "Promise me Hermione." Finally she nodded. "I want to be there for you. I'm here for you now. Don't hide your troubles from me. Please, let me help. I understand nightmares better than most."
Hermione let that sink in. It was true of course, he would understand what it was like and how real they seemed. She quietly asked, "Do they get better?"
"Over time, yes. They don't happen as frequently." He reached for her and drew her in to his chest. He rocked a bit as he held her close and could feel her body begin to relax a bit. "Do you want to tell me about it? Sometimes talking helps."
Hermione swallowed and closed her eyes. The visions came back clear and disturbing. She quickly opened her eyes. "Malfoy Manor. Most of the time they are that night with Bellatrix."
Harry sighed deeply. There had been so little time for recovery, or processing what had happened to them at the time. It was no wonder she was having nightmares about it. He could still remember seeing her lying on the cold floor as Bellatrix towered over her with the knife. He shivered a bit and looked down to see that she was subconsciously holding her forearm. The scare had healed nicely but it was there non the less. He simply stroked her hair and nodded before asking, "What are the other ones about?"
There was a heavy silence for a time before Hermione's voice whispered, "You."
"Me?" Harry asked bewildered. He felt her nod and she buried her face into his chest and wrapped her arms around him tightly. He was startled when he felt her body begin to quake with silent sobs.
Hermione tried to choke back her sudden tears. She didn't want to fall to pieces again. Maybe it was just that she was tired, or the nightmare was so fresh, either way she clung to Harry as if he might disappear. She pushed her voice out between breathes, "You don't come back. You don't wake up. You just lay there in Hagrid's arms. I keep waiting for you to move. I run to you but you won't move. You won't look at me." A fresh wave of tears tore from her eyes.
Harry was a bit surprised by her explanation and a bit disturbed. He didn't want to be the reason she was having nightmares. He had never thought about the ramifications of his playing dead on those who had to watch and wait for him to spring back to life. He held her tightly, wanting nothing more than to take her hurt away. "It's alright. I'm here now. I'm not going anywhere. I'm awake and alive and in love with you." He let his pronouncement hang in the air a moment. He hadn't meant to say it but it felt so natural that it was out of his mouth before he could think about it. He didn't expect her to say it back. Not yet. But he hoped soon she would admit her feelings to be the same. He did feel her squeeze him a bit more. He whispered, " I'm not going to leave you." He felt her hiccup softly.
"Promise?" Hermione's heart had pumped wildly at hearing him say he loved her. It had been so long since she had felt loved. Harry had made her feel loved for weeks now but to hear him confess it made her pulse quicken with unanticipated warmth.
"I promise, Hermione." Harry leaned back against the pillows and took her down with him. Her head rested on his chest and he let his fingers gently run over her back. He was grateful they both had pajamas on or it might have been a bit too…tempting for him. He was glad to hear her breathing even out again. "Do you mind if I stay here the rest of the night? Just to keep you company?"
"Please. I don't want to be alone," Hermione admitted quietly.
Harry settled in and after a few minutes his arm stopped rubbing her back, his mind grew foggy and just as he was about to drift into sleep he heard a gentle voice whisper, "I love you too, Harry." He smiled and put his hand through her hair to let her know he had heard her. She lifted her head and looked up at him. He couldn't see much in the dark but the light from the window reflected in her eyes and he smiled down at her. She moved up a bit and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Harry brought his hand to her cheek and let his lips find hers. It was a slow, passionate kiss. There was no hurry, no pressure. It was sweet and sincere and innocent. When it was over Hermione settled down against him once more and they were soon asleep.
Harry was lying on his side. He wasn't sure how long he had been looking at her. Her dark lashes stood out against her fair cheeks. Her hair was in a state of disarray, her breathing was slow and steady. She was quite simply, stunning. Hermione shifted and her eyes fluttered open. Harry brushed back a curl from her face. "Morning beautiful."
Hermione smiled warmly as she stretched and yawned. "Good morning, Harry. I am not sure that beautiful is how I would describe myself in the mornings."
"Nonsense," Harry declared. She smiled warmly at him.
"Thank you for staying last night. Did you sleep?" Hermione asked.
"I did. Are we making a habit of this?" Harry asked with a wicked grin.
"Habit of what?" Hermione asked with a bit of confusion.
"Waking up together. I do believe I ended up sleeping in your bedroom last night at Hogwarts as well. I have to say I quite enjoy the view in the mornings." Harry kissed her fore head with a smile.
"I'm sorry. I've been too needy. I promise not to keep you from your bed tonight." Hermione said with a blush.
Harry shook his head, "No, no. I think you misunderstood me. I quite enjoy this arrangement. Far from seeming needy, you give my ego a boost when you confess to enjoying my company and excepting my comfort."
Hermione smirked, "Well, I wouldn't want your head to get too big, now would I? I quite enjoy waking up next to you as well, but I don't think it is wise to make it a frequent thing."
"And why not?" Harry asked with a dramatic pouty face.
Hermione laughed lightly at him. "The temptation to….go further than I want to might grow too great." She felt her face blaze with heat at her confession.
Harry noticed her deep embarrassment and eased it by teasing, "So, my handsome good looks are proving hard to resist huh? Well, I am the Chosen One." Hermione laughed and hit him in the arm. "Hey!" Harry pounced and tickled her mercilessly. He was thrilled when she squirmed and laughed without holding back. The sound made his heart swell. After a time they settled down and Harry said, "I promised not to put you in any uncomfortable situations and I mean to keep that promise, Hermione. Should you need comforting in the night, please do not hesitate to get me. I will hold you, talk to you, or even sleep on the floor if you wish. You don't need to worry about anything. Promise me you won't hide from me." Harry looked deep into her golden eyes and saw them sparkle.
Hermione gave him a warm smile. His words had touched her deeply. Last night he had said he loved her. She had told him the same. It still felt almost dream like. She trusted him so completely that it was a bit unnerving. She whispered, "I promise."
Harry leaned in and kissed her lightly, "Good. Now, we better be up and about. I'll let you settle in a bit. Breakfast will be ready soon I think. I'll send Biddy to get you." Harry rose from the bed and headed toward the door. Before he got there he heard her voice.
"Harry?" He turned toward her and she bit her lip as she said, "Did you mean it? What you said last night?"
Harry knew exactly what Hermione was referring to. He also knew that she was seeking confirmation and reassurance. He walked back to the bed and took both of her hand in his. He kissed them gently and looking once more into her eyes said, "Hermione Jean Granger, I meant every word. I love you. And I'll tell you that as often as you need me to." He bent down and let his lips caress hers. She melted into him. When he pulled away she was beaming up at him and said softly, "I love you too, Harry." He kissed her once more before leaving her to get ready for the day.
Hermione spent the day in the library. She could hardly contain her enthusiasm. A large stack of books from the Black family library were piled on the side table. Hermione was sitting with her feet under her on the couch searching through a large book on curses that involve multiple people. Thus far she had not found anything she thought was relevant to her and Harry's situation but she was hopeful and sucked up the knowledge regardless. She was feeling better today. She had managed to eat a fair amount at both breakfast and lunch. Her magic however, was still acting a bit off. She had summoned a few books off the shelves and found that while the spell worked, the books wavered in the air as if only just able to obey the command and she had felt quite exhausted afterwards. Hermione knew she would need to tell someone soon. Maybe there was something to be done about her magic even if there was nothing to be done about the attacks. Harry had come and gone throughout the day. He had run to the Ministry for a few hours and Hermione had insisted he go since he still needed to try to complete his training. Just as Hermione was putting back the volume she had finished Biddy came into the room. "Excuse me Miss Hermione, but you asked me to fetch you when it was time to begin making dinner."
"Oh, yes. Thank you, Biddy. I just finished up. Shall we go to the kitchen then?" Hermione had convinced Biddy to let her try her hand at backing dessert for that night. She had asked if Biddy would be willing to share the space with her and let her bake while Biddy cooked the meal. She wanted to get to know the house elf better and Biddy had been hesitant to let anyone in her kitchen alone. The two headed down stairs and began their preparations. Hermione soon learned that Biddy was quite knowledgeable about cooking and had set her kitchen in order. She praised the elf for her efficiency and her organization. Hermione appreciate both. They chatted easily. Biddy was quite entertaining as she spouted her cooking smarts out or suggested things to Hermione as she made her pineapple upside down cake. A happy hour passed and soon Harry stepped into the kitchen with a broad smile.
"This looks like trouble." He eyed the two ladies and turning to Hermione said, "This is only your first full day here and you already have convinced Biddy to share a corner of the kitchen with you?"
Hermione laughed and shrugged. Biddy piped up, "Miss Hermione, is very kind, and I is only wanting to help her win your heart Master Harry."
At that Harry burst out with a laugh even as Hermione turned a lovely shade of pink. "So, what is this plan to win my heart then?"
"I'm making you a pineapple upside down cake if you must know," Hermione said with a haughty tone even as she smiled playfully.
Harry sidled up to her side, wrapped his arm around her waist, and kissed her on the cheek. "It certainly looks interesting." Harry said, eyeing it suspiciously.
Hermione pushed him lightly away, "Well, perhaps me, Biddy, and Colby will just eat it then if you are going to snub your nose at it." Harry put his hands up in surrender as he grinned.
Biddy squeaked, "Miss Hermione is doing a fine job. Leave her to it. Dinner will be ready in 15 minutes."
"Alright, I know when I'm not wanted. I'll leave you ladies to it then," Harry said as he backed out of the kitchen. He caught Hermione's eye and gave her a wink.
An hour and a half later Harry was feeling stuffed. Dinner had been delicious and Hermione's dessert had also proved quite delectable. She was beaming with a smile of triumph. "So, you aim to steal my heart through desserts?" Harry asked.
Hermione gave him a sultry smile, "I hear it often works. Way to a man's heart and all that, so they say."
"Indeed the do say that. However, if you keep stuffing me with sweets you'll have to except the growing waistline I am sure to get." Harry smiled.
Hermione chuckled at him. "Ah, then perhaps I should only use this strategy on very special occasions. I wouldn't want to damage that "Chosen One" image you have going on."
Smiling broadly at her wit he pushed back his chair and took Hermione's hand. He pulled her up and hugged her tightly. "It was wonderful. I'm so glad you are finding yourself at home here."
"It's different, but I do feel quite comfortable here." Hermione confessed. Harry led her to the sofa in the sitting room. "Harry, does Ron know about this house?"
"He was the first one I showed it too actually. I brought him here just a couple days before you. I promised him he'd get the first look." Harry replied.
"And how did he take it?" Hermione asked. She was aware that Ron had a tendency to be jealous of the things Harry had and hoped that the manor had not put a rift in their relationship.
"He was floored by it, naturally," Harry admitted. "But he was happy for me to get out of Grimmauld Place. I think he's fine. He doesn't seem as concerned about material things as he used to be."
"I'm glad," Hermione said. As if on cue an owl tapped at the window. Harry opened it and small owl flew in. "It's Pig," Hermione declared.
"Yeah, it must be from Ron." Harry untied the letter and gave Pig a quick treat before he began flying around the room wildly. After a moment of reading, Harry said, "He is inviting us both to have dinner at the Burrow tomorrow evening."
"That's great! It will be good to see them all again. No doubt they are wondering how things are going." Hermione looked to Harry who seemed to have a look of concern on his face. She continued, "Do they know we are living together now or will that be awkward?" Hermione asked, suddenly not sure if the invite was a good one or not.
"Well, Ron knows and I told him he could tell his family, so I assume they know." Harry said.
"So, what's the matter?"
"Ginny is going to be there," Harry said with a sigh.
"And you don't want to face her?" Hermione asked. She knew it was not going to be easy to try to recover their friendship after their breakup. She felt for him as well as Ginny.
"It's not that I mind seeing her, I just am not sure about telling her about this bond and us living together. I know she'll be upset." Harry said sitting on the couch.
"She doesn't know about the bond yet?" Hermione asked.
"No. I asked Mrs. Weasley not to say anything until I could talk to her in person."
"So, you mean to tell her tomorrow night then?" Hermione said sitting next to him.
"I guess I'll have to. I can't very well keep her in the dark about it while the rest of her family knows. I'm just afraid she'll take it the wrong way. I don't want to hurt her more or cause a scene."
"There is no controlling how she is going to react, Harry. You just have to tell her and hope she can handle it." Hermione took his hand and gave it a squeeze. "I'll be there too if you want me to help talk to her about it. As for us living together, it's just so you can be faster at getting to me when I have an attack."
Harry was silent for a moment. "Yeah, I suppose so."
"Harry, what is it?" Hermione put her hand on his cheek and made him look at her.
"It's not the only reason though," Harry said.
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.
"Getting to you faster is not the only reason I asked you to live with me." Hermione gave him a slight look of surprise as she raised her eyebrows at him and cocked her head asking the unvoiced question. He continued, "I asked you to live with me so I could help you more easily, yes. But there were other reasons too, selfish reasons. I was lonely, and I missed seeing you. You are the first person I could see myself sharing a home with. When I first stepped foot in this house it was you I thought of. I didn't want to live her alone." Harry sighed. Hermione smiled at him and bit her lip before she leaned in and kissed him soundly.
"Harry those reasons are not bad reasons. In fact no one has ever said something quite as sweet to me." Hermione confessed with a girlish grin. "But, I also know that because you are a caring man, you worry about hurting Ginny's feelings with our new relationship."
Harry nodded, "I just don't want to make things worse, or make you seem like just a rebound."
Hermione smirked. "I don't feel like a rebound, Harry." She looked at him seriously and said softly, "I can't speak for how she will take the news. I hope it will be alright. But you may need to give her time. I think she knows it wasn't going to work between you two but it might take time for her heart to catch up with that. We'll just try to be sensitive to that." Harry nodded again and she said, "So, just try not to snog me in front of her or anything like that."
Harry looked at her teasing smile and let his own mouth turn up. "Well, it should be an interesting dinner if nothing else. I suppose I better reply that we will be there and send Pig on his way."
Hermione nodded and rose from the couch. "I think I'll just pop in and see if Biddy needs any help with the dishes."
"Good luck with that," Harry said. "She will probably shoo you away."
"That's what you said about her allowing me to bake. I do believe I tackled that in one day," Hermione shot back. Harry shook his head and watched her leave. Yes, living with Hermione was going to be fun. She kept him thinking and kept him smiling.
Hermione walked into the kitchen to find Biddy at the sink scrubbing plates and pans. "Can I help?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, no Miss Hermione. This is not work for you." Biddy said as she shook her head.
"I feel I should help in some way since I contributed to the mess," Hermione persisted. When Biddy continued to shake her head she suggested, "Perhaps, I could just help put the plates back in the cupboard." Before Biddy could protest, she picked up a couple of clean plates and placed them in the cupboard.
"Miss should not be doing such work. We is here to take care of you." Biddy said.
"I know, and you are doing a wonderful job of it. I only like to help a little. It makes me feel productive."
Biddy seemed to ponder that a bit. "Ah, Miss is finding joy in having a task to complete. I is understanding that. Some do not know the joy of such work. We elves is being very good at such things and we is learning young to take pleasure in doing things right."
Hermione smiled at her, "That is exactly it! I am glad to find we understand one another. I promise to try not to over step myself. I just like to do these little house hold tasks occasionally. I appreciate you indulging me."
"Miss is welcome. " Biddy said as she continued to wash. "Did Master Harry enjoy the cake?"
Hermione nodded and placed two more pans in the cupboard. "Indeed he did." She picked up one of the ceramic mixing bowls she had used to make the cake when her stomach suddenly dropped. She felt her body crumple as pain burned inside of her, radiating out to her limbs with electric intensity. She felt her magic rise to try to protect her, heard Biddy squeak in surprise and heard the bowl shatter. Her vision went dark and she knew nothing but sizzling pain.
Harry tied his letter to Pig's leg and let the little owl out the window. As he watched him fly away, a loud crash reached his ears. The coin suddenly blazed against his chest and he sprinted to the kitchen. Throwing open the door Harry was met with a scene he was sure would replay in his nightmares. Hermione lay quaking on the floor, the shattered bowl lay in pieces all around her. Her thrashing had caused the shards to slice into her unprotected arms. Blood oozed from various cuts. Harry kneeled down, touching her as quickly as he could to still her body. Hermione went limp at his touch, her breathing labored. It was only then that Harry saw Biddy jumping around frantically ringing her hands together as big tears rolled down her cheeks. "Biddy, she'll be alright. I need to get her upstairs. Will you go get her potion? Put it on her night stand. I'll be up right away." Harry was glad to see that his request for action seemed to calm her a bit as she nodded and quickly left the kitchen. Harry looked down and felt sick at the sight of Hermione's arms littered with various cuts. He was grateful she was wearing jeans so her legs had been protected. Her eyes fluttered and focused on him. Before she began to move he quickly said, "Don't move. I'm going to levitate you up. I don't want to risk giving you more cuts." Hermione's eyes were shiny with tears. She gave him a weak moan and closed her eyes. Harry raised his wand and carefully levitated her into his arms. He tried to be careful not to hold her too close. He arrived at her room and found Biddy and Colby there waiting anxiously. "I think I'll take her to the bathroom first. I need to look at her cuts and wash them. Can you run some warm water for me?" Harry asked.
Biddy hopped quickly into action. "Yes, of course Master Harry."Harry felt Hermione shudder in his arms and saw her face contort in pain. "Colby will you bring the potion?" The elf quickly grabbed the vial and followed Harry into the bathroom. Harry set Hermione down gently on the floor. She was very pale. Her body twitched again, and Harry lifted her head as too the potion from Colby and poured it into her mouth. Hermione swallowed easily but didn't wake. Biddy gave Harry a warm washcloth and they proceeded to dab at the cuts along her arms. Colby retreated to the main bedroom to give them space and privacy. Most of the wounds were just shallow scratches but a couple were rather deep. As he cleaned a nasty cut on her upper arm, Harry felt her body cringe. His eyes traveled to her face and he saw her eyes were partially open. "I'm sorry, love. I have to clean this. I'll try to be gentle." She gave him a small nod and bit her lip as he continued to clean and bandage the bigger cuts. When Harry was done he quickly assessed the rest of her body. Her face was relaxed again, indicating she was once again asleep. He gently rocked her to the side to make sure her back was unharmed. Thank fully he didn't see any new cuts. Sighing heavily he gently lifted her up and poured a pain potion down her throat. He wanted to make sure she slept without pain. He lifted her into his arms and took her to the bed. Biddy had pulled back the covers and was looking on with clear concern. "Thank you for your help Biddy. It would have taken me twice as long to clean her up without you."
"Of course! I is scared for Miss Hermione. I is not liking to see her like that." Biddy squeaked as she twisted her hands.
"I know. I don't either," Harry admitted.
"Is Mater needing anything else?" Biddy asked.
"No, I think I'll just sit with her for a bit," Harry said with a small smile.
"Yes, she is needing you," Biddy admitted as she left quietly.
Harry transformed Hermione's clothes into pajamas and pulled the blanket up. Her arms had various bandages around them, making her look like a half done mummy. He laid down next to her and gently brushed back the curls from her face. He wished she was awake so he could see how she was feeling. She had barely stayed awake or conscious at all this time. The couple times he had looked into her eyes he had seen fear and the fog of pain. It made his stomach clench. Part of him was glad that she was sleeping. She needed it to recover. He snuggled close to her and tried to push back his worry. Her breathing still sounded a bit difficult. Laying on his side he faced her and ran his finger gently over her forehead and cheeks. He was surprised to find that after a moment her breathing seemed to deepen. She turned her head into his touch. "I love you Hermione." His whisper received no reply. He kissed her lightly on the forehead and with a swish of his wand the lights dimmed. He let his hand find hers under the covers and tried to calm his thoughts.
LONGEST ONE YET I THINK! I haven't gotten many reviews. Please leave a comment for me. It's discouraging to not get feedback. Hope you enjoyed!