Chapter 10: Honeymoon
If this was an exam, Percy had spectacularly failed and that was a first for him. So far, he'd always managed to at least receive an E, but when he watched Hermione fleeing the bed in the direction of the bathroom, his body slowly coming down from his high, he felt like he didn't even deserve a P for his efforts. It had been hard to miss that Hermione didn't have any pleasure during their first sexual encounter. She hadn't complained to him, not once, but Percy wasn't blind and even though he currently felt like an idiot, he certainly wasn't one. Or maybe he was, because he had no idea how he could have done things better.
Groaning, he covered his face with his hands, embarrassment and humiliation flooding him. He should have tried harder, done more research. Yes, she wasn't thrilled about it but he should have kept his patience, should have insisted. Now there was a mess.
How was he supposed to look at her now, knowing that they both knew he'd failed? But there was nothing for it. Hermione was his wife now and they were on their damned honeymoon. Would she even want him to touch her, now that their duty was fulfilled for this week? Probably not…
At least Percy was not too proud to face his shortcomings and work on them. Some of them were physical, he knew, but apparently, there were other things he needed to improve. The first step would be to learn more about his new bride, not only in bed but in general. Luckily he had a full week where they'd spend most of their time together, time he planned on putting to good use. Never before a task had felt this important to him than this one. Leading a happy marriage would be essential for his and his wife's future happiness; the same was true for any children they might have. Therefore it was safe to say that finding a way to make Hermione happy was probably the most important task he'd face in his life and he was determined to fulfill it like he did everything else in his life - outstandingly.
sssss
When Hermione walked out of the bathroom after a very long shower, she felt substantially better. It wasn't only that she felt clean again - sex could be a messy business - she also felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She'd had sex, for the first time, and even though Hermione did not believe in the fuss that was made about the loss of someone's virginity, she was glad that she'd finally made her first experiences, however awkward and strange they were. She definitely didn't feel like she'd lost something, but rather like she'd gained some experience.
"Hermione, how are you feeling?"
Percy was waiting for her in the living room, now impeccably dressed in a polo shirt and beige trousers. Again, he had been reading a book, but as soon as she stepped into the room she saw him putting it aside, his whole attention focussed on her.
"Uhm, fine I think. A little hungry maybe…"
"Are you sore?" he inquired, seemingly unflustered by what he was asking. "I've brought some potions in case you should experience any discomfort or…"
Blushing, she shook her head. "No, I'm good. I promise."
"Good. I'm glad." Smiling at her, Percy rose from the sofa, walking towards her with slow steps. "Should we head into the hotel restaurant for a late breakfast then? Or should we rather go out into the city?"
Hermione considered this. She wanted to get out of the honeymoon suite as soon as possible. Because no matter how luxuriously it was equipped, every piece of furniture reminded her for what purpose the suite had been designed. No, she didn't want to stare at the massive red sofa or the thick carpet that was literally inviting a couple to ravish each other there. "I'd rather go out, I think. Maybe take a walk as well. How does that sound?"
Stopping right in front of her Percy smiled, his hand reaching out and brushing a curl from her face. "Lovely," he replied, his eyes gazing into hers for a long moment. Just when she thought he might kiss her, he pulled back, heading towards the front door without another word. Hermione followed him confusedly, her heart fluttering in her chest. Had she imagined this or had Percy indeed considered kissing her? And would she have let him if he did?
sssss
"A table for me and my wife please," Percy requested shortly after, when they'd found themselves a lovely little café right next to the Seine for a belated breakfast. He found that he loved calling Hermione that, his wife. He couldn't be more proud to be married to her and he was determined to show her that, just like it was expected of a good husband.
Percy wasn't really hungry, but he rarely was, and therefore he only ordered himself a coffee while Hermione ordered a croissant and tea. They didn't talk much this morning, or later during the day when they explored Paris together. When they finally returned to their suite in the evening, Percy felt way more relaxed than he had in the morning. Even though they had not spoken much, it felt like he had spent the day with a friend. They certainly hadn't behaved like a married couple, as Hermione hadn't touched him once, not even to reach for his hand. He, too, had kept his distance from her, unsure what she'd do if he followed the urge to take her hand as they walked through the streets of Paris. Because Merlin, he wanted to, wanted to let anybody see that this beautiful woman was his wife. But no, Hermione wasn't his anything. They were only married because the law had forced them to - or her - because Percy would have married her on the spot if she'd asked him. Not because he fancied her, but because they made sense of a very logical level.
"You look tired. Should we retire to bed?" After seeing his wife yawn over her book for almost half an hour, Percy could no longer watch her attempts to keep herself awake. It was obvious she was tired and surprisingly so was he. Maybe it was the physical exercise from walking through the city all day but he certainly didn't complain. If he'd had a night with more than five hours of sleep it would be a day to mark in the calendar.
Hermione looked at him, the look in her eyes hesitant. "Retire? To sleep, you mean?"
"Of course. During the last minute you have yawned at least three times and you seem to have growing difficulties keeping your eyes open. Am I right?"
"Yes…"
"Then why not go to bed?" He knew why, or at least he had a suspicion. Was it possible that Hermione feared he'd force himself upon her? If she knew him any better, she'd know he'd never do such a thing but that was just the point: she didn't know him very well. But that would hopefully change with time.
Sighing, Hermione snapped her book shut and headed for the bedroom. Percy followed her quickly, grabbing his pyjamas before heading straight for the bathroom. Even though they had seen each other naked this morning, he still had the feeling Hermione preferred to have her privacy when she changed. He certainly felt better not confronting her with the imperfectness that was his body again so soon. Brushing his teeth extra carefully and casting a shaving charm, just in case, he prepared for bed. Then he returned to the bedroom where he retreated to the bed with a book, while Hermione quickly left for the bathroom. Soon, she returned, climbing under the covers at the other side of the bed and Percy put his book aside, right next to his wand on the nightstand.
"Is there anything I can do for you, Hermione? A massage or a foot rub maybe?" he asked, trying to sound casual. He had no idea if Hermione would accept but a part of him hoped that his wife would allow him to touch her again.
"You'd rub my feet?" Hermione inquired, surprise and disbelief evident from her face. "Why? I mean, that's very kind and all, but I don't think…"
"I expect nothing in return," he quickly clarified, not wanting her to draw the wrong conclusions. "But you're my wife, Hermione. And I want to take care of you."
His wife blinked. "That's…" She broke off, visibly struggling for words. "This absolutely isn't necessary. I'd never expect you to…"
"I know," he said calmly. "But as I said, I want to take care of you. It is what a good husband does. I want you to be happy in this marriage and if giving you a foot rub or a massage every night would help…"
Hermione's eyes widened. "You'd do this every night?"
"If you want me to? I want to be useful, to make you happy, so if there's something you need…"
Her bottom lip disappeared between her teeth as she carefully studied him. "Well, I don't need a massage. But I'd certainly enjoy it…"
His heart leapt in excitement. Finally, he'd found a way he could prove himself to her. "Then you shall have one. I'll turn around so that you can make yourself comfortable on the bed."
"Alright." The smile Hermione gave him in return warmed his heart. He quickly turned around to give her the chance to take off her top and lie down on her front. After only a moment, he heard the rustling of clothes before he felt the mattress shift. "I'm ready."
When he turned back, Hermione was lying on the bed, her hair fanned out around her head. Her head turned to the side she looked at him, her brown eyes looking almost black in the dimmed light. She studied him as he squirted a small amount of oil into his palm, rubbing it between his hands to warm it up. She also kept watching when his hands carefully touched her back, first distributing the oil in slow, big circles before he started to knead her back. It wasn't long before her eyes blinked shut, a first quiet moan escaping her lips.
Percy smiled to himself, pleased at how quickly he felt her relax at his touch. Hermione clearly liked what he did, her soft moans and purrs leaving no doubt about that. Percy too enjoyed the chance to touch her, to take in the slowly blooming smile on her face. He was the one bringing it there, he knew. And he clearly enjoyed touching her, feeling her soft skin beneath his fingers, even if it was just through touching her in such a platonic way. It didn't matter to him. Yes, he desired her, there was no doubt about that after this morning. Hermione was everything he'd ever wanted and he knew that if she ever learned to love and desire him, he'd be the happiest man on earth. But would she ever?
Sighing, he looked at the woman who had again fallen asleep through his touch, brushing a stray curl from her face. There was no telling if a woman like Hermione would ever see any appeal in a man like him. Because even though they might be similarly intelligent there was no denying that she was way out of his class.
Sssss
All in all Hermione found that their honeymoon turned out way less terrible than she'd anticipated. In fact, Percy proved himself to be the most accommodating travelling companion she'd ever had. It wasn't just that he would spend hours exploring libraries and museums with her, he also possessed the ability to engage her in interesting conversations about magical and muggle topics, or to keep his mouth shut if the conversation had run its course. The man seemed to have extraordinary abilities of observation, since it seemed like he could always judge her mood. Apart from the massages he gave her every evening, he did not attempt to touch or to kiss her and she was secretly grateful for it. It wasn't that kissing him had been terrible, but it wasn't something she actively sought after either and why would she? It wasn't like she was in love with him or anything.
Whenever Hermione woke up in the morning, Percy was already awake. Sometimes he sat at his side of the bed, reading, greeting her politely, other times he had already got up. The two times she woke up at night to use the loo he was sleeping at the faraway end of the bed, his back to her. One of those times she watched him in the light of the moon shining through the window, the soft curve of his brows and his features that were now so relaxed and peaceful. He looked like a completely different person all of a sudden Hermione found, much younger and so much more vulnerable and while she continued her way to the loo she asked herself if there was another side to this man, a side that he kept hidden from her and everybody else.
On the last day of their honeymoon, they decided to tackle the pile of presents that had been sitting right in the middle of the table all week. Hermione had ignored it, for the most part, thinking that unpacking those presents was one step further in admitting she was a married woman now, which was absurd of course; things couldn't be more real than sharing a bed with her husband, after all.
"Mum sent a book where she wrote down all her favourite recipes," Percy told her, looking down at a small leather-bound notebook. "I'm not really that much into cooking, so it's up to you if you want to take a look."
She looked at the book, frowning. "I've never had the chance to cook much. I tried when we were on the run because mind, we probably would have starved if it's been up to the boys. But there was only so much I could do with what could be found in the woods. I could try, though, if you want me to."
Percy shrugged. "I don't expect you to cook or be a housewife, Hermione. You can cook if this is something you want to do. But usually, I eat at work or order something should I get hungry."
Something about these words rang a chord inside her and for a moment she froze, going through the memories she had of the last days and weeks. "You don't eat much, do you?" she suddenly asked, remembering the many times Percy had only picked at his food or didn't order any solids at all. Strangely, she'd never wondered about it but suddenly she did.
The man looked at her, sighing. "I've always been a picky eater but ever since I left school I've developed a difficult relationship with food. It isn't anything I crave and I rarely feel hungry these days."
Hermione swallowed heavily. "I see," she murmured, searching his face. There was so much she wanted to say, but she realised that it might not be her place to do so. Apart from that, she hadn't even noticed something was amiss until now. "Is there anything I can do? Or…"
"There's no need to be worried about me, Hermione. I am an intelligent person and I am well aware that my body needs nutrition to sustain itself. I am careful to ingest enough food, or at least take a nutritional potion every day. I am fine," he told her, the look in his eyes suggesting otherwise.
She bit her lip, knowing that giving him a lecture now wouldn't do any good at all. "Alright, of course." Contemplating her options, she reached for Molly's cookbook, carefully opening it on the first page. The instructions on the pages were very detailed, some of them even having little comments like "Percy's favourite" noted at the margins. Maybe she could give this book a try, she thought. It certainly couldn't hurt. "Should we go through the other presents? This one certainly is from Fred and George," she said, pointing at a colourfully wrapped package.
"I'm not opening it," Percy grimaced.
Hesitantly, Hermione took the gift from the pile and opened the purple bow wrapped around it. Opening the lid of the box she carefully peeked inside, not knowing what to expect. As soon as she saw the first item, her eyes went wide. "No, they didn't," she murmured, hastily closing the lid with pink cheeks.
Percy looked at her with almost something like resignation. "What is it?"
She handed him the box without answering his question. For a moment he just stared at it, then he opened the lid, studying the items inside with a frown. "I'm not entirely sure…" he murmured and took out a pink dolphin-shaped vibrator, turning it in his hands. "Are those for children?"
Hermione pinched her eyes shut, her face heating up even more. "No," she bit out, forcing herself to look at him again. "They're Muggle sex toys…"
Percy blinked, his face turning blank. "Why would one need a dolphin for sex? Or…" he roamed through the box, pulling out another item. "This one looks like the Sorting Hat."
She wanted to die with embarrassment. "That one might be an anal plug, but I'm not sure. Coming from Fred it George it could be anything…"
Frowning, Percy pulled out a card and studied it with a confused expression. "It says: Have fun exploring the joys of married life," he told her, handing over the card. "Are you sure those aren't joke items?"
Sighing, Hermione took the box and scanned through its content. "No, those are real products," she finally explained, quickly pushing the box away. "Not that I've used anything like this before but I know that many Muggles do. I just wasn't aware this was a thing for wizards and witches as well."
"It isn't," Percy told her, confusedly shaking his head. "Some of those don't look like they're made by Muggles though. Do you think Fred and George invented them?"
"I have no idea," Hermione replied. She didn't want to think about that present any longer, or the intentions behind it and yet she couldn't stop thinking about it either. Was this Fred and George's way of pranking them? Or did they really think that this was what she and Percy were doing during their honeymoon? Was this what everybody was thinking? If so, they couldn't have been further from the truth.