A/N: Someone asked in the reviews what the flowers in the bouquet meant. Here they are:
Red camellia - You're a flame in my heart
Pink camellia - Longing for you
Red carnation - Admiration
White carnation - Innocence, Pure love
Coral rose - Enthusiasm, Desire
Orchid - Love, Beauty, and Strength
Yellow Tulip - Sunshine in your smile
Fern - Sincerity, humility; also, magic and bonds of love
Hope you all liked my choices of flowers! So, it's New Year's Eve on my part of the world and I'm posting this chapter to celebrate the coming new year (Yey! And it being Tuesday has nothing to do with the update. *wink* *wink* LOL) Hope you guys enjoy this one! Much love to my betas! 3
Hermione normally did not have trouble emerging from the land of dreams in the morning. Usually, once she was awake, she would be out of bed in an instant, moving about to get ready for the day ahead. However, this morning was different. She was warm, comfortable, and she wanted to savour the feeling of having a hot (figuratively and literally) and willing body holding her. They must have barely moved after they had sex because she was still wrapped in his arms where she remembered falling asleep in. Opening her eyes, she lifted her head to look at Harry's sleeping face but was surprised to see his bright emerald eyes on her, a smile already present on his face.
"Good morning," he greeted her, as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Good morning," she replied, feeling a bit shy. She didn't know why she would feel shy even after what they had done the previous night. "Have you been awake long?"
"Just a few minutes, I think." Harry looked behind him, at the digital clock she had placed on her bedside table. "It's still quite early."
He turned back towards her and lowered his head, giving her a long, tender kiss. They pulled away just a fraction before coming together again, this time in a fiery kiss. Harry moved to push her on her back on the bed but she fought him, successfully putting him under her. She pushed the blankets away from their bodies as she straddled him, aligning his morning wood with her slit. He groaned at the contact and moved to grab her hips which she preempted by taking hold of his hands and held them on each side of his head.
"Mmm. You like taking charge, huh?" He asked her slyly.
"Mm. Maybe once in a while," she replied, a smirk already on her lips. Her hair was a mess, she was sure, but with the way Harry was looking at her at that moment, she realized she didn't really care one bit. She ground her hips on his and they moaned at the same time.
"Well, then. You can do whatever you want with me, baby," he quipped, his voice heavy with desire.
Hermione giggled. "You might regret saying that."
"Try me," he challenged.
And try him, she did. She rubbed her wet slit along his erection for a few moments before raising her hips. She let go of his hands so she could hold his cock and align it to her entrance. Slowly, she sank down and welcomed his thick, hard length into her sunlight hitting the windows provided much-needed light, allowing Harry to see everything. Hermione closed her eyes at the sensation of having Harry inside her again. She felt full, stretched, and perfect with him inside her warmth. His hands roamed all over her body and legs as if he needed to touch all of her at the same time. She placed her hands on his chest and began moving up and down. One of his hands settled on her hip while the other played with her breasts.
Her movements were slow and deliberate, taking him deep inside her, deeper than he had been last night. His hips thrust to meet hers in perfect synchronization, as if they had been doing this ancient dance together far longer than a single night. Hermione could feel her legs shake from the effort as the heat pooled in her abdomen. She was close, so close.
Harry probably felt it as well because he sat up and wrapped one of his arms around her waist. He grabbed her arse while his other hand slid between them. Searching fingers found her clit and began circling around the bundle of nerves, pushing her closer and closer to the edge. Harry's lips latched onto hers as she came, swallowing the guttural moan that came out of her throat. She realized that Harry had not reached his peak yet so she kept moving on his lap, riding him. She licked the skin just under his ear and whispered. "Come for me, Harry."
Half a dozen thrusts later, he came, and the jerking movement of his cock inside her made her orgasm again. It was glorious.
They clung to each other as they regained their breath and their strength. Hermione lifted her head from Harry's shoulder to look at him. He used his hands to sweep away her hair from her face and gave her a smile.
"Hi."
"Hello."
They laughed. Harry dropped back on the bed, bringing Hermione with him. She folded her arms on his chest and rested her chin on them to look at him. He rested one of his hands at the back of her head, caressing her hair, while he folded the other arm behind his head.
"I've never had a man stay the night before," she said, her voice quiet.
"Not even Ethan's father?" She wasn't exactly surprised at the question. She had a son, so she must have had sex before, and did even after Ethan was born and she tried dating.
She shook her head. "No, what happened to Ethan's father and I happened at a place of no importance, beyond giving me Ethan."
He nodded his acceptance of her answer. "I hope one day you'll be able to tell me the story about Ethan's father."
"One day, maybe." She didn't want to kill the mood but it was inevitable whenever Damien was mentioned.
"I'm sorry for bringing it up," Harry spoke when she remained silent longer than she should have been. She looked up to see the guilty expression on his face.
"Oh! No, no. It's alright," she said, hoping to alleviate his guilt. She touched his face with the back of her fingers. "Someday, I'll tell you everything about my past. I just hope you won't go running away as fast as you can."
"I thought you already dropped the bomb on me when you told me about Ethan?" He removed his hand from behind his head and cupped her face with both hands. "I doubt there's anything you could say that would make me run away from you."
"You say that now-"
Harry bent to kiss her. "Shush. We'll cross that bridge when we get there, okay?" He gave her a look, imploring her to agree.
She sighed. "Very well."
"Good. Now, how about some breakfast?"
Harry insisted that he would make breakfast for them. Hermione refused, of course, but after a quick romp on the kitchen counter, she gladly gave him the reins in her kitchen.
"Do you have practice today?" She asked, biting into some sliced apples while Harry fried racks of bacon.
"Nope, we have the week off before the pre-season games start next week," he answered while he transferred the cooked meat onto a plate.
She tilted her head. "Shouldn't you be practising for the pre-season games?"
"Well," he said, as he placed a plate filled with eggs, bacon and French toast in front of her and on the place beside her. He walked around and took a seat right next to Hermione. "Coach Lewis may want his players to always be in top shape and ready to play but he also believes that to achieve that, we would need ample rest and relaxation."
She gave a look sideways, a smirk on her face. "I don't think what we did last night and this morning constituted rest and relaxation."
Harry raised his fork, "Ah, but that's what you think! I have it on good authority that sex is the best form of rest and relaxation."
She laughed, "And whose authority is that?"
"It's-" What Harry was about to say was cut off when the front door suddenly opened and they both turned to see who it was. Hermione's heart jumped to her throat when she saw Ethan, her nine-year-old son, standing there holding the door, brown eyes so similar to her own opened wide as he looked at his mother and at the man sitting beside her. It was fortunate that they decided to dress properly before going down to make breakfast.
"Ethan, sweetheart!" She jumped up and quickly headed towards her silent son, whose eyes were still on Harry. She didn't have time to check what Harry's reaction was to seeing her son, Ethan was more important. "What are you doing home early? Wasn't I supposed to pick you up in the afternoon?"
Without taking his eyes off Harry, Ethan pushed the front door closed behind him and walked up to his mother to give her a peck on the cheek in greeting. That was the only time he broke his gaze away from the man seated at their kitchen counter.
"Mrs. Baker's sister was brought to the hospital this morning because she was going to have her baby, so Matty and his parents had to go there early. They just dropped us off before heading to the hospital. They didn't have the time to call each of our parents since they were in a hurry," Ethan explained, shrugging his shoulders at the end.
"I see. I'll just call Clarissa later to ask how her sister is doing." She took his duffel bag and placed it beside the couch. "Are you hungry? Have you had breakfast?"
Ethan shook his head. "There wasn't time."
"Alright, then." She took a deep breath and turned to face the kitchen with her hands on Ethan's shoulder and began walking.
"Would you like some French toast, love? With eggs and bacon?" Hermione asked.
Again, the little boy's eyes were fixed on the dark-haired man sitting by the kitchen counter. "Sure, Mum."
Harry sprung into action. "I'll make them. Both of you just sit there." Thinking that Harry wanted to put distance between him and the mother and child, Hermione resisted letting out a sigh. Here we go.
She watched Harry move around the kitchen with ease, as if he'd been there many times before.
"I know you," Ethan said, his eyes alight with recognition. "You're Harry Potter! Puddlemere United's star Seeker!"
Harry, who was currently cooking the boy's breakfast, turned to Ethan and gave him a bow and smile. "At your service, good sir."
Hermione didn't know what to make of his actions but then the little boy turned to her, his face full of wonder. "How did you two meet?" He moved his attention to his mum. "Why didn't you say you knew Harry Potter?!" This wasn't what she had expected how Ethan would react in finding a man he didn't know in their house. Both turned towards Harry when they heard him laugh as he finished up making the additional set of breakfast foods. He placed the plate in front of the boy and leaned on his arms on the counter, facing him. He summoned a pair of cutlery with a wave of his wand, which he passed onto the boy so he could start eating.
He watched Ethan eat for a little while before he spoke again. "I met your mum about a month or so ago when she got lost in the Puddlemere United Quidditch Stadium."
"Wha' we' you doin' de'?" Ethan asked his mother with food still in his mouth.
Hermione wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Please swallow your food first before speaking."
Ethan swallowed quickly. "Sorry. So, what were you doing there at the stadium, Mum?"
"Aunt Marga and I were putting together a party for their team."
"Cool! What kind of party was it?"
"It was a charity event. Pretty boring, really. Lots of stodgy old people," Harry answered, wrinkling his nose amusingly with feigned disgust. Hermione chuckled. She picked up her coffee when Ethan decided to be straight to the point.
"So, are you dating my mum?"
Hermione accidentally swallowed the liquid in her mouth and started coughing. The young boy turned to her and patted her back, a worried look on his face. "Are you okay, Mum?"
Harry handed her a glass of water and several napkins. He was sporting an amused expression that made her want to smack him. She gave him a look, telling him to answer the question her son had poised upon them.
"We just officially had our first date last night. You could say that we are dating." He crossed his arms in front of his chest as he looked at Hermione, an eyebrow raised, as if challenging her to deny what he had just said.
Ethan looked at Harry then at his mum. "Okay," was all he said then went on to finish his breakfast.
Well, that was entirely not how she had anticipated this scenario would go. She and Harry shared a look before he glanced down at his watch.
"I know I said I didn't have practice today but I do need to run a few errands. I can be back here… let's say, in 3 hours?"
"Oh, you don't need to come back so soon." Hermione looked down at her son who was almost done eating his food, ignoring the adults' conversation.
"I really don't have other plans," he shrugged then turned to Ethan. "How do you feel about going out to see a movie, Ethan?"
The boy looked up at him with such a hopeful expression. Harry pondered how anyone could deny him anything. He looked a lot like Hermione and he figured she must have been just as adorable as a child. The two men both faced Hermione and waited for her answer.
"Oh! Um. Are you sure you want to spend your free time with us, Harry?"
Harry tilted his head. "Of course."
"Are we going, Mum? Are we? Please say we are," the boy pleaded.
"Well, o-okay then," she said. "If you're sure," she told Harry.
Harry clapped his hands once, then removed the apron around his waist. "Good. I best be going then, so I can quickly finish my errands. I'll be back, say, around four?"
Mother and son both nodded in assent. "We'll be ready, then."
"Awesome. I'll see the both of you later." Harry went around the counter and gave her a kiss which was dangerously close to her lips and ruffled Ethan's hair.
"See you later, Harry!" Ethan called out to him as Harry opened the door to leave. He gave them a little wave and a cheeky smile then closed the door behind him. Hermione let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.
Her son put down the utensils he was using, signalling he was done eating. "I can't believe you're dating Harry Potter, Mum! He's just the best Seeker in the league AND the youngest to ever play in the World Cup!" He exclaimed. She guessed he held his excitement back while Harry was there. She looked at her son fondly as he fanboyed over Harry Potter.
Hermione sighed. "And does that bother you?"
Ethan looked at her questioningly. "Bothered about what?"
"That I'm dating Harry Potter."
He took his time to think about it, tapping his finger on his chin as was his habit when deep in thought. "No, not really." He reached over and drank some water before continuing, "As long as he's nice to you and you're happy."
Hermione couldn't help the smile that grew on her face. "Are you just saying that because I'm dating Puddlemere United's star Seeker?"
"Nuh-uh! It doesn't matter how famous or even who he is, Mum. You could be dating another girl like Aunt Marga does, and I'd be fine with it as long as they're good to you."
Hermione laughed out loud. She was pleased with her son's open-mindedness and acceptance. It did help that Margarethe was so open about dating both men and women that it was easier to explain to Ethan about such relationships. She wrapped an arm around her son's shoulder and hugged him closer to her.
"I love you, you know that, right?"
"Of course, Mum. I love you, too."
Hermione kissed his forehead. "Why don't you bring your bag to your room and straighten up a bit in there? We have a few more hours until we need to get ready and Harry gets back."
"Ugh. Do I have to?"
"Well, I'm not going to clean it for you." Hermione stated, fixing Ethan with the mum look.
"Oh, alright." Ethan gave a dramatic sigh.
Hermione chuckled as she watched her son trot to grab his bag and head to his room upstairs. She didn't expect or even intend for Ethan to meet Harry so soon. But now that they had met, she wondered what was going to happen when she and Harry did not work out. Because she knew if that happened, it wasn't just her heart that's going to break.
Harry spent almost all of his evenings during his off-week following their date at Hermione's. Sometimes he would visit her at her bookshop in the afternoons, causing her patrons to go into a frenzy upon seeing the famous Harry Potter hanging out at The Bookend. Luckily, the press had not yet caught wind of his activities this past week and Hermione hoped it stayed that way for a while. She was not looking forward to the day the press found out about them dating. She was sure that she and her son would not have a minute of peace. Harry already had experience in dealing with them but she didn't. The press was a pack of wolves waiting to pounce on any story which would sell their trashy papers and they would, without a doubt, dig into the past she had left behind in Paris when she moved to England to start a new life. And she needed to protect Ethan from them, more than she needed to protect herself.
"Hermione, the stocks for the latest edition of Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling are already at the back, along with the new Charms textbooks we ordered," Stephen Bell, one of her staff in The Bookend, said which interrupted her musings.
"Right. Can you please receive them and sign the delivery receipts for me? I'm still in the middle of finishing this month's finances," she replied. Which was the truth, until she caught a glimpse of Harry's photo on that day's edition of the Daily Prophet that was atop of her desk and memories of the past week had invaded her thoughts.
Stephen nodded. "Of course, it's not a problem." He turned around and headed towards the door of her office. He stopped by the door frame and turned to her with a teasing smile. "By the way, Harry Potter's here again. That's what? The fourth time this week he's been hanging around here?"
Hermione slouched on her chair with a groan and covered her face with both hands. It wasn't that Harry was being annoying and disrupted their work in the bookshop, but it was more about her embarrassment every time her staff and Margarethe's staff would tease her about him visiting. Her most frequent patrons would tease her, as well, but she knew them enough not to broadcast it to the world which she was thankful for. Some customers would approach him and ask him for photos or autographs, while others simply conversed with him about anything from quidditch to the books he had read. She delighted in finding out he enjoyed reading, though he admitted he did not read as much as she did, but said that he read whenever he found the time.
Hermione especially loved watching him with kids. She had proven he told her the truth when he said he liked kids—not that she doubted him. But it was such a delight to see him interact with children, especially with Ethan. It seemed the two of them had struck a friendship and had bonded over sports and books. Whenever both were in the shop, they would be sitting down somewhere and would talk for hours while waiting for her work to end. Hermione had asked Harry once what it was they talked about and he had responded with "It's boys stuff. Mums aren't allowed to know," then winked at her. She scoffed at that because, really, she was her son's best friend and it seemed he had found a new best friend! But she was happy that Ethan gained a friend in Harry, even if it did worry her a bit about the future.
Stephen laughed at her reaction to his news. He loved teasing his boss about the hunky quidditch player. He had come to work for Hermione a few months after The Bookend had first opened and he considered her one of his closest friends. She was a fair and kind employer. She did not demand from them what she would not do herself, sometimes even doing more work than her staff did. Stephen and Alice sometimes volunteered to babysit Ethan when she had to work for The Magic Touch and they were glad to do it for Hermione. He and Alice were happy when they found out that Hermione was finally dating again. They believed she needed to do things for herself, as well, and were glad to see she'd begun to do just that. They could see that Harry was a good influence for her in getting her to loosen up and take more time for herself.
"So, do I tell him to come here or are you going to meet him outside?" He asked.
Hermione sat back up and took a deep breath. "Please tell him to come here."
"Alright. I'll be right back."
She nodded in response and began to gather the papers on her desk. She hated doing the finances but she hadn't hired a third-party accounting agency to do The Bookend's books for her. Maybe she could go to Gringotts one of these days to get someone to do it for her. Looking at all the numbers for the past few hours had given her a headache. Right now, she desperately needed a long bath, warm food, and a massage.
A short knock on the door caught her attention, causing her to look over. She almost swallowed her tongue at the image that greeted her. Harry was leaning on the doorframe with takeaway tea in his hands. He was wearing a simple black t-shirt underneath a black leather jacket, dark jeans that hugged his muscular legs, and black hi-cut Doc Martens. His eternally messy hair had that just-got-out-of-bed look, and his stubble beard looked like it grew just a bit since the last time she saw him. She had confessed a few days ago about having a weakness for men with scruffy looks. If she wasn't already sitting down, she'd probably have swooned with the realization that he was keeping his stubble after her confession. The bad-boy biker look he was sporting was enough for an intense desire to course through her body that ended up in her centre.
"Hello, Hermione." He remained where he was, a smile on his face as he stood there looking at her.
"Hey. What are you doing here?" Hermione stood up and walked around her desk. Thank Merlin women didn't get boners or Harry would plainly see how much she wanted him at that moment.
He met her halfway through the room and leaned down to give her a smouldering kiss. Well, at least she wasn't alone in her desire.
"Merlin, I just want to rip that dress off you and take you on your desk," he whispered as he kissed the skin under her ear, his hunger for her evident in his husky voice. She was wearing a red, muggle wrap dress which hugged her curves, and the v of the neckline was a little lower than what she normally wore which exposed a bit of cleavage. The sleeves went a third of the way down her arm and the hem of the dress ended a few inches above her knees.
She moved back a few inches so she could look in his eyes, letting him see the passion in her eyes.
"Well, what's stopping you?"
She heard the door to her office shut and lock. Harry summoned his wand and cast several wards on the door as well as silencing charms. His lascivious grin was the last thing she saw before he swooped down and picked her up, walking them back towards her desk. He placed her on top of the wooden desk and proceeded to push up the skirt of her dress. Letting it bunch up by her hips. Her legs wrapped around his hips loosened so she could unbuckle his belt and open his jeans. One hand opened the button and zipper while her other hand slipped inside his boxer briefs and grabbed his erection. He growled against her mouth then tore her knickers.
"Hey! Those are expensive!"
Harry simply chuckled. "I'll buy you more of them." He latched onto her neck, licked and sucked the skin there. Hermione pushed both his underwear and jeans down, finally releasing his member. He took hold of her wrist when she moved to seize his cock again.
"I need to be inside you now." His voice filled with need.
"Yes," was all she could say before he took hold of her arse and entered her in one thrust. Hermione couldn't help but cry out at his abrupt entrance. The mixture of pain and pleasure pushed her closer to her orgasm. She placed her hands on the desk behind her for leverage as Harry fucked her fast and hard. Harry's grunts, her moans, the sound of skin slapping against skin filled the room. She was so close to her peak when Harry let go of her arse and picked up her legs, placing them on his shoulders.
The change in position let him hit that perfect spot and she exploded quickly, her arms giving out and she fell on top of the desk. He continued to move inside her as he chased his own release. When he finally did come, Hermione came with him. He let her legs slide down as he bent forward and rested his sweaty forehead against her own sweaty one. She let him sag against her, bearing his weight even if he was a bit heavy and the desk was hard on her back.
"Gods, Hermione. That was incredible," he said even as he was still recovering his breath.
Hermione giggled. "I've never done it in my office before," she responded as her fingers combed through his hair repeatedly. "I have to admit, you just fulfilled one of my fantasies."
Harry raised his head to look at her, smug smile firmly in place. "Glad to be of service. I couldn't help myself when I saw you at your desk, with your glasses and this dress," he lifted a hand to touch the fabric across her breasts. "It gave me one of those teacher fantasies. So it wasn't just your fantasy that was fulfilled today."
She laughed at that, reflecting on how Harry was making her do things she normally would not have done. It was reckless but it also made her feel young and free. It was a new feeling and she savoured the new experience.
"You didn't answer my question, though. What are you doing here?"
"I was out with my godson and thought to drop by for a visit."
"What? And where is he? You left him alone?" She rose quickly, pushing Harry away and dislodging his softened cock from inside her. She stood up, grabbed her wand and cast cleaning charms on herself and him.
"Of course, I didn't leave him alone. I left him with Ethan and Alice by the reading area," he countered, rolling his eyes as he dragged his boxers and jeans up from his knees and put them back on.
She tried to put their clothing to rights as if they hadn't just shagged, glanced down and saw her ruined knickers. Harry saw her look down and he saw what caught her attention. He waved his wand and repaired the torn fabric before giving it to her. She sighed.
"These things aren't the same anymore after a reparo."
"Well, just bear with it for a few hours. Unless you want to go about work knickerless. I'm not going to complain," he said to her.
She laughed then slapped him on his chest. "Perv."
He shrugged. "Can't help it if you're too enticing."
After checking themselves again, Hermione took the cardboard cup of tea Harry put down on the shelf by the door when he entered and dismantled the wards he had placed on the door.
"Let's check on the boys, then," Hermione said and exited the office.
The boys were, thankfully, too preoccupied playing that they didn't notice it took almost 20 minutes for Harry and Hermione to emerge from her office and find them. Alice noticed though, so she gave them a sly smile before leaving them to tend to the other customers in the shop. Hermione could not help the blush on her cheeks when she saw the look Alice gave them.
"Hey, Teddy. Are you having fun with Ethan?" Harry said as they approached the two boys. Both children looked up from what they were doing and Ethan stood up to run up to his mother.
"Mum! Teddy is awesome! He can change the way he looks! Can I learn that at Hogwarts, too?" He said excitedly.
Hermione smiled at her son fondly. "He's a metamorphmagus, sweetheart. He was born with that talent. But there are spells and potions that could help you change your appearance temporarily."
"I got it from my mum, Uncle Harry told me," the little boy with bubble gum pink hair spoke shyly at her. He was slightly hiding behind Harry.
She crouched down and smiled at the boy. "Hello, there. I'm Hermione, Ethan's mum."
Teddy looked up at his godfather as if waiting for permission. Harry nodded and gave him a little push forward. The little boy walked towards her then reached out his hand for her to shake. "I'm Edward Theodore Lupin. But everyone calls me Teddy. You can call me Teddy, too, if you want." Harry chuckled at his words.
Endeared by the adorable display, Hermione shook the boy's hand and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Nice to meet you, Teddy."His hair turned bright red as he smiled bashfully at her.
Ethan turned to her and asked, " Is it okay if we play some more, Mum? We promise to stay right here."
Hermione looked at both boys who were looking at her in anticipation. "Of course, love. Just stay here so we know where you are when it's time to leave. Alright?"
The two boys nodded then dashed back to the reading area where they sat on the floor and played Ethan's numerous board games.
"See? I'm a responsible adult," Harry teased her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Hermione laughed at what he said. It's amazing how much he made her laugh.
"Do you and Ethan maybe want to have dinner with Teddy and I?" He looked down at her with something akin to hope in his eyes. It seemed terribly like a family outing, which she didn't know how she felt about it yet. They had gone to the cinema with Harry a few days ago but this was different. Her son and his godson had already been introduced and she felt like they were slowly integrating their circles together. She had a lot to think about regarding her relationship with Harry but now was not the time.
"Sure, we'd love to join you for dinner," she replied.
"Great! How about I help around here, in the meantime?"
Hermione turned back around and walked down one of the aisles, swaying her hips. "I am not paying you."
Harry just laughed.
They entered a little quaint restaurant just a few doors down from The Bookend. Hermione had no idea it was even there but instantly fell in love with the restaurant's ambience and design. The place was warm and cosy, with the staff and owner quite welcoming. Harry knew the owner, as well, a certain Seamus Finnigan and his partner Dean Thomas. They were Harry's dormmates and close friends. Teddy greeted both enthusiastically with a kiss on their cheeks and a hug. She stood a short distance away with her son as they watched the exchange.
Harry gestured for her to move closer to them. "Gentlemen, this is Hermione Granger and her son, Ethan."
"Hello," Hermione and her son both said.
Seamus approached her first, gave her a kiss on the cheek then held her at arm's length by her shoulders. "So you are the notable Ms. Granger who made our Harry jump through hoops just to get her to date him!"
Hermione blushed then turned to Harry, "Hey! It wasn't that bad!" The men laughed.
"Of course not. Seamus here is just taking the mickey because—"
"It's not everyday a woman turned down Harry Potter. It's refreshing, really. And funny," Dean, a handsome bloke with dark skin, said. He also approached Hermione and gave her a brief hug. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Hermione. Well, then. We reserved a table at the back for you. C'mon." He took one boy in each hand and led the way to their table. Harry walked beside Hermione, his hand warm on her lower back. She could feel eyes following their small group as they walked by the tables.
"Are you alright?" Harry whispered in her ear. A shiver ran down her body caused by his warm breath.
"I'm fine," she whispered back, "People are staring at us."
"Let them stare. It just so happens I'm walking with the most beautiful woman in the room."
Hermione scoffed. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Potter."
Harry grinned at her. "It's not flattery when it's the truth."
She blushed but did not answer. She was still not used to getting compliments about her looks, which Harry often gave her.
Dinner was a lively affair and the tasty food only added to the festive mood. Lots of stories were told, especially about Harry and his friends' days at Hogwarts. They finished quite late and the two boys were almost asleep by the time they decided to call it a night. Stepping out of the restaurant, Hermione took pity on her son and hauled him into her arms.
"I could carry him and bring the both of you home," Harry offered.
"You already have a child you need to take back home. We'll be fine, really," she responded.
"He already too big for you to carry," he tried to argue.
"I may be small but I am strong," she quipped.
Harry sighed. "Very well," he relented then bent down to give her a lingering kiss. "Both of you take care, alright? Send me a message when you get home then I'll call you."
Hermione nodded, "I'll talk to you later. Take care, Harry." Then she vanished with a small pop. Harry stared at the spot where Hermione previously was before apparating himself and the sleeping Teddy.
If the couple had only been more aware of their surroundings, they would have noticed the clicks of a camera that bore witness to their more than friendly goodbyes.