A/N: Since this is the 30th part of the story, I have to review the first part until this most recent one so that I could do some minor editing. I know that I have some typos to correct. Since I don't have a beta reader, I will be doing the work myself.
Anyway, this story is currently Rated T and it will remain so until the very end.
The mature chapters, I will have to post separately in a Restricted Scenes version. In my Archive of Our Own (AO3) site, My Cheating Heart will be posted in full, which means the restricted chapters will be blended into the main story, unlike here in FFN wherein I will be separating the two.
When the Restricted Scenes version will be ready, I will be announcing it in the author's notes.
To visualize the scene better, I created this collage so you can see how they look for a certain event in the story. The unknown man in the photo is The Mastermind.
This is the link https * / * */ * p * / * 2heNDyx
Just remove the * and the spaces to access the link. FFN does not allow links to be posted.
The photo will be shown on my A03 site as well. Just search for tweetysrcclt9.
My Cheating Heart
By: tweety-src-clt9
Chapter Twenty-nine: Lord and Lady Potter
Hermione woke up early in the morning with a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist. Her back leaning against a lean muscular chest. She could feel a chill run down her spine as she felt steady breaths hitting her nape. Her bum pressed against something hard.
This is something that she is most definitely not used to. She is used to waking up all alone, and in odd sorts of positions, since she moves around a lot as she sleeps. Now as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, she bit her bottom lip to stop herself from giggling. She could feel Harry's normal morning reaction pressed against her. Feeling the need to go to the restroom, she tried to gently move his arms away from her body.
"Don't… comfy", her snuggle partner muttered against her ear. His lips lightly caressing the skin on her nape.
"Harry, I got to pee", she tried again.
"No", he moaned in his sleep. His arms tightening around her. He even placed one leg over her thighs.
She slowly turned around to check if he was asleep. Because if he was just acting out, she'll nudge him hard on the chest. Instead, the sight that she saw, melted her heart. Harry Potter is fast asleep indeed. His raven hair is messier than they've ever been. He seemed so relaxed and well, happy…
"Harry", she whispered. Still no reaction.
"Harry", she said a little louder this time.
"Hmmm", came the muffled reply. Merlin! I have to go pee. I am a mere seconds from bursting.
She raised her left hand and pinched his cheek. Hopefully, it will be enough for his arms to move away.
"Ow", his voice is now clear.
"I'm sorry Harry but I got to pee", she said.
"Fine… come back to bed after", he released his hold on her and turned to his other side. She dashed for his en-suite bathroom.
After relieving herself and washing her face, she went back to Harry's bedroom. He was now sleeping on his stomach. His face turned towards her side of the bed. She glanced at the clock on one side of the wall, it was six in the morning.
She quietly made her way back towards his bed. She carefully moved the covers so she could climb on. As she lay on her side, facing the sleeping Harry, she started playing with his messy hair.
"Hmmm", he protested.
"Harry it's six a.m.", she whispered as she moved closer to his sleeping form. She gasped when his strong arms pulled her even closer to his body that she was nearly pressed on top of him.
"Just sleep", he murmured.
"We have work to do", she replied. Her face heating up as she could now feel his crotch pressed on her thigh. He groaned and then he slowly opened his eyes.
"Can't we just skip again?", he whined. His voice is still sleepy.
"You, Lord Potter, have responsibilities. And so do I. We can't sleep in bed all day", she chuckled.
"We could lie in until eight. My first meeting is at eleven", he negotiated with a pout.
"Harry, it's the twenty-second already. Isn't Teddy coming back from Hogwarts today?", she reminded him.
"Shit!", he groaned.
"Now come on. Wake up. You have to cook breakfast. I'm hungry", she joked bossily and he laughed.
"God, I love you", he whispered as he kissed the top of her head. His arms tightening around her.
"I'm sure god loves you too", she retorted.
"If I cook, will you shower with me?", his eyes glittering with mischief.
"Let's progress into making love first before we do that", she huffed.
"Fine", he pouted.
"Now get up. I'm hungry", she playfully hit his chest.
"Alright, alright, I'm up", he groggily sat up on the bed.
"There. Now that's not so hard is it, if you'll only do as I say", she teased.
"So, we slept together last night… When then, in your terms and schedule of our relationship, are we making love and taking a shower together?", he grinned mischievously. She was blushing so hard that she could only grab a pillow and hit him on the face which he didn't even evade since he was already laughing.
"Just go shower already", she glared at him. Her cheeks still flushed at his heated question.
"You know I'm just joking right? I will wait until you're ready", he said after he was able to contain his laughter.
"You know, if only you would stop making jokes, I would have said that our first schedule of lovemaking will be tonight. But oh well, I'll move it up to next year", she sighed before getting up from the bed.
She glanced at Harry who was now gobsmacked on his bed.
It was now her turn to laugh. Lady Potter = 1. Lord Potter = 0.
Harry Potter sat in his office with a big grin on his face. During his pre-yule briefing with the auror department, all of his teammates were giving him an odd look. He usually is very stern and formal during meetings, but during this one, it was obvious that he is in a really good mood.
When he heard a knock on the door, he wandlessly gestured with a hand and opened the door for whoever is standing outside. His second-in-command, Dean Thomas walked inside his office with his mouth hanging open.
"What's gotten into you mate? You seem to be on a cloud nine. And, you opened the door to your office despite not knowing who the person is. Hell! You don't even open the door for others you just say come in", Dean remarked as he took one of the seats across from him.
"Can't a bloke just be happy that Christmas is coming soon", he snorted. He knew that his eyes will betray the joy he felt inside. He felt giddy, but he would never admit to that.
"Oh… I've seen that look. You got some last night", Dean smirked.
"So crude", he rolled his eyes.
"You did, didn't you? You lucky dog!", Dean smacked the top of his desk.
"I will not dignify that comment with an answer", he retorted.
"Lucky bastard. Lady Potter is one damn fine woman", Dean ended the comment with a wolf-whistle. This time, he glared.
"I would appreciate it if you keep your rude comments about my lady's fineness to yourself, thank you very much", he said in a stern voice.
"Okay, okay. Sorry mate. But whatever it is that is making you this happy, I am glad. You deserve to feel this joyful after suffering for so long", Dean said.
"She does. She makes me so happy, that I – well, I feel so light", he confessed with a slight flush on his cheeks.
"Well, I am happy for you mate. You better not mess up this time around though", Dean remarked. After long hours of gruesome auror training and being on missions together, he and Dean had become really good friends. Because of the amount of time they spent together, he talked to Dean about all that has happened between him and Hermione before she left Britain ten years ago.
"I know mate, I know", he agreed.
"Hey, this would mean that you will finally get a date to that annual pre-yule charity auction thing that you go to with the rest of the peers of the realm", Dean who is muggleborn, commented. Only those who have a good understanding of the non-magical world comprehend the importance of being inducted as a Peer of the Realm.
"Oh, shit! I forgot about that", he groaned. Every year since he was inducted as an honorary peer, he is forced to attend an annual auction on the 23rd of December. After everything that happened, he honestly forgot about the whole thing.
"Well, you better ask your Lady to come with you, mate. This will be the very first time that you would have a date for this thing", Dean added.
"Mate, cover for me for the rest of the day, will you? I have to ask my Lady to grace me with her company for this auction. That among other things", he said as he got up from his seat.
"Sure mate", Dean saluted. With a wave of his hand, his briefcase flew towards him and he sprinted off to the floo. He needed to ask Hermione to come with him, buy clothes for her and himself, and last but not the least, he has to find something to donate as a contribution to the auction. Great. Just great. Good thing Dean remembered.
"Kei, you will be going back to Switzerland for the holidays, right?", Hermione asked Irie as the both of them were just lounging around in her temporary office. Evangeline and Abim are still hard at work as they create the vaccine potion which will be ready soon. One of her remaining task for this case is that before they administer the vaccine, she has to conduct final tests and give her seal of approval. Since Irie's part is already done, and there are only a few patients in St. Mungo's on this day, the local healers do not need their help. Hence, it was a pretty easy workday for both of them.
"Yes. I'll be taking a portkey for Switzerland tomorrow evening. My family will be arriving there on the 24th. We'll be spending a few days in Lucerne, then maybe check out Grindelwald for a few days", Irie said with excitement.
"That's brilliant!", she said with a big smile on her face. The ICW Medical Research Department all work so hard for the entire year. So, any vacation and rest their team members get is great news.
"What about you Chief? Staying here with your gorgeous Lord, eh?", Irie wiggled his eyebrows suggestively and she rolled her eyes.
"My parents will be coming to Britain on the 24th. They'll be staying in Harry's penthouse. Harry's godson along with his grandmother will be spending Christmas with us as well. So, yes, I'll be staying here with my family", she confessed.
"Did you just say family?", Irie was stunned. When she nodded, he squealed.
"Oh, my fucking Merlin! You are so getting laid after ten years! I am so happy for you. Best have Rosier prepare stamina potions. I'm sure Lord Potter is such a horny beast", Irie swooned while clapping his hands.
"Quiet down! Shhh! Or the auror guards will hear", she admonished.
"Sorry, chief", Irie mumbled.
"I would appreciate it if you won't talk about my sex life out loud when others could hear us thank you very much", she glared at her colleague. Irie only laughed.
"Ah, well. As long as he makes you happy, chief. Then I am happy for you too. If he hurts you again, I'm kicking his sorry arse. No matter how fine a species of man he is", Irie said with conviction and she chuckled. Despite Irie and Rosier's crass language, they are very loyal friends of hers.
"Will you be visiting headquarters at all during the holidays?", she inquired.
"Yes. I have to file in my report to the Supreme Mugwump. But that's about it", Irie said with a shrug.
"Can I ask you for a favor, Kei?", she said.
"Sure, chief. What is it?"
"I need you to go to the private archives in HQ and look for books that discuss magical communion rituals. If you find information on Osiris and Isis, especially about the story about them pledging their service as protectors of the gates to the afterlife, I hope you could send me what you learn in a letter. Since, well, the books and scrolls could not be taken outside of HQ", she stated.
"How about I'll call you on the mirrors if I find anything special? We could briefly discuss it and then I could send you my notes. How's that sound?", Irie offered.
"Sounds brilliant. Thank you, Kei", she grinned.
"I better get a good Christmas gift since you're asking me to do personal research for you during the holidays", Irie joked.
"I'll bring your gift tomorrow morning so that you could take it with you to Switzerland. And don't you worry dear, I always give excellent gifts", she winked.
"If I only were straight, I'd be head over heels in love with you Chief", Irie said dramatically and they shared a laugh.
Their laughter dissipated as they heard a knock on her door.
"Come in", she said cheerfully. Her smile widened when she saw Harry enter her office.
"Hi lo -, er, Hermione. Hey Irie", she stopped herself from chuckling as Harry caught himself.
"Hi, Harry. It's okay, Irie knows", she said.
"Oh", he mumbled.
"Well, I best leave you two lovebirds alone. See ya tomorrow, Chief! You better have my gift ready", Irie stood up from his seat.
"Bye, Lord Potter", Irie winked at Harry. She bit her bottom lip as Harry's face paled.
"Get out of here Kei. Stop flirting with my husband!", she playfully glared at her friend who only chuckled. With a wave of goodbye, she and Harry are now the only two people in her office.
"You know, I kind of miss the days when I thought he was into you. Loads better than having him flirt with me", Harry muttered making her laugh.
"Oh, he's just messing with you", she reassured him.
"I know…It's just so… weird", he mused.
"So, what can I do for you Lord Potter?", she said playfully as she crossed her arms.
"I have some business to address with my Lady Potter", he replied smartly.
"Oh really?", she challenged with an eyebrow raised.
"Hermione, will you grant me the great honor of gracing me with your company for tomorrow night's charity auction?", he said as he handed her a bouquet of red roses.
"I'm so proud of you, Harry. Your flower game has significantly improved", she teased him as she accepted the beautiful bouquet.
"Well, will you come with me? Please, love. I can't go alone. I don't want to be the loser who had a wife that left him", he begged with an exaggerated pout.
"Ah well, fine. But I need details", she agreed with a smile.
"It's an annual thing. Peers and their wives host it. Each one donates something valuable. All proceeds will then go to a charity the peers' support", he explained.
"You really can't go alone?", she asked.
"Well I could but I want you to come with me. I'm tired of the sympathizing looks I get for being the only peer with no date. Besides, I'll show 'em why it is so damn worth it to wait for you for ten years. I'll be the only peer with the youngest, and frankly, the hottest wife out there", he had a smug look on his face and she rolled her eyes.
"So, you just want to prove to all of them that you have a hot and young wife, is that it?", she glared at him and he gulped.
"Er, well, no. It's just – ", his panicky explanation made her laugh. He is so adorable.
"I'm just joking, Harry. Of course, I'll come with you", she said.
"Thank you. At least I won't have to fend off all those peers who keep on introducing me to their nieces and daughters", he sighed.
"Oh, Merlin! I don't have anything appropriate to wear!", she exclaimed.
"Are you busy this afternoon?", Harry asked and she shook her head.
"Well then, let's go love. I'll take you out to lunch. After that, you and I could shop for what to wear for tomorrow", he stood up and extended a hand to her.
"Sounds like a plan, my lord", she smiled as she accepted the hand he offered.
Harry Potter was sitting on the couch waiting for his wife. It was exactly one hour and thirty minutes before the start of the charity auction. He was wearing a four-piece Armani suit of black trousers, a white dress shirt and vest combo, along with a white bow tie, and a black jacket. He even had a black top hat to complete the ensemble.
To be honest, this is the first time that he is going all out for the auction or any other event for that matter. He usually just attends the formal events as a peer of the realm and counts the long hours until they are finished and he could leave. This time, however, with his beautiful Lady Potter on his arm, he is looking forward to the rest of the night.
Hermione suggested that they both wear a black ensemble to keep it classy and simple, which he immediately agreed to. Seeing her fit her black gown, when they went shopping yesterday afternoon, made him so excited. He cannot wait to show his lady around. Now his fellow peers, along with those pushy women, will finally see why he waited ten long years for Hermione Jean Potter nee Granger. If she looks so gorgeous when she was trying out the gown, I cannot wait to see her tonight!
He was tapping the velvet box on top of his lap. He will be giving these to Hermione tonight to complete her look. Since he already knew what her gown is going to be, he visited his family vault this morning to look for the perfect jewelry piece. There, he found a simple yet stunning, diamond stud earrings and a diamond bracelet. Since her gown had a flattering design for her upper torso, she needed no necklace to complement it.
His gaze kept going to her former bedroom and then at the clock. Evangeline Rosier was there to help her get ready for the night. The two women have been in there for three hours. He cannot understand what could be taking so long. Since Hermione had a pixie cut now, she no longer has to stress about her hair. I'll never understand women and getting ready. She'd look gorgeous with just the dress on and with no makeup…
And then finally, the door opened.
She looked resplendent, ethereal, beautiful. No words will ever be enough.
"Sorry for making you wait long", she said with a blush.
"It's alright love. The wait is worth it", he said. He gently held her hand, bowed down and kissed the back of her hand making her blush.
"My lady, you look breath-taking tonight", he whispered. His eyes were trained on her face as his lips slowly pulled away from her skin.
"Thank you. You clean up rather well too my lord", she said with a smile.
"Now before we go, I must insist that you wear this for me", he opened the velvet box he was holding and she gasped.
"I – Harry… this is too much. You already paid for the dress and everything", she argued.
"Tsk tsk. You follow Lord Potter's advice, chief. Those diamonds will compliment your entire look", Rosier said as she joined them in the living room.
"See, love. You should listen to your stylist", he said with a chuckle. He carefully removed the diamond bracelet and lovingly placed it around her right wrist. With shaking hands, Hermione reached out to the stud earrings and placed one on each of her earlobes.
"Brilliant! You two will be the stars at this auction. Cheerio, lovebirds", Rosier said with a wave before disapparating. Now they were left alone once again.
"You ready to go, Hermione?"
"Yes", she said with a nervous smile. He held out his arm to her which she accepted despite her obvious nervousness.
"Don't be nervous, Hermione. You look beautiful. And I will always be by your side", he reassured her.
"Okay. Thank you", she replied with a more confident tone.
"Before I forget, I would like to thank you for the wonderful evening ahead", he said with a bright smile before they headed towards the lifts that led to the basement.
Hermione took a deep calming breath as she entered the ballroom of The Beaumont Hotel on Harry's arm. They were standing in line, waiting for their turn to be presented. They were the third couple in the cue. Harry flashed her a reassuring smile which she returned. He looks so handsome tonight. She could hardly blame all those women who throw themselves at him when he's dressed like this. Tonight, Harry James Potter could make any woman's knees shake with nerves and desire in his full blast Lord Potter persona.
Finally, it is their turn to be announced.
"Presenting, Lord Harry Potter, the Earl of Gryffindor and Lady Hermione Potter, the Countess of Gryffindor", the man said in a loud and clear voice.
Everyone's eyes were immediately glued to her. And once again, murmurs could be heard. She could feel most of the women sizing her up. Most of the older women sent her envious looks. While some of the women who were closer to her age shot her looks of disdain. Great! Even in the muggle world, I still get the feeling that people are judging my worth and if I deserve to be with Harry…
Harry led her towards an old couple. Even from afar, she could tell how much the couple adored each other. It looks so sweet and adorable.
"Lord Charlington, Lady Charlington, it is my great honor to introduce to you my wife, Lady Hermione Potter", Harry said with a bow and she curtsied.
"Now now, Lord Potter. I could now finally understand why you've waited for so long for this beautiful wife of yours. She is a sight for sore eyes", Lord Charlington said with a friendly chuckle.
"Forgive him, dear, this old man still thinks he could charm the stockings off the younger ladies", Lady Charlington teased her husband.
"You flatter me too much, my lord and lady", she said respectfully.
"Stop with those lord and lady nonsense. Just call me Michael, dear. And you can call my wife, Isabelle", Lord Charlington insisted.
"Thank you, Michael, Isabelle", she said with a smile.
"Come along you two, you should both sit with us. You know how the wolves will hound around your wife, Harry", Lady Charlington said.
"Oh, I know. I could now feel the other blokes eyeing her up", Harry gave a put-out sigh.
"Harry!", she admonished as she lightly nudged his elbow.
"Oh, leave your husband be, dear. Old Lord Charlington over here used to be like that. All jealous about the attention I keep on getting. And you being a young pretty thing, must give that poor husband of yours a headache", the lady said.
"I told you that you won't need to be nervous, Hermione. Some people here like the Charlingtons are nice", Harry said with a grin.
"Lord Potter, I would like to thank you for your very generous donation to this event", the lady said.
"You are most welcome, my lady", Harry replied as they both took seats on a round table beside the older couple.
"What about you dear? Do you like to help out in charitable institutions as well?", Lord Charlington asked.
"I do a lot of volunteer work by curing the less fortunate sir", she replied. It is an absolute truth that she sometimes visits less privileged countries and do volunteer work. It's part of the medical research team's mission.
"Oh? So, you are a doctor then?", the lady asked.
"Yes, ma'am. A surgeon specifically", she replied.
"You must be very smart dear, and brave too. All that blood", the lady shivered.
"Oh no, ma'am. I just work hard", she said modestly.
"She's just being modest Isabelle. She's the head medical researcher for one of the top-secret branches of the United Nations. When we were in school, all our professors call her the smartest student they have ever met in many years", Harry said with pride. She nudged him on the elbow which made the older couple laugh.
After that, she relaxed. The Charlingtons were delightful company. They are a sweet and kind couple. Hopefully, when they are old and gray, she and Harry would be just as sweet. And just as happy as they shared a simple life with their children.
The events of the night started with dinner and she was introduced all around to meet the other peers and their wives. Everyone was excited to meet her. Some were rather borderline rude and intrusive, but Harry and the Charlingtons never left her side.
After dinner, the Master of Ceremonies announced a ten-minute break before the charity auction can officially start. She excused herself as she looked for the restroom so she could freshen up.
Harry wanted to accompany her but she reassured him that she can manage on her own. He reluctantly let her go and he continued talking to one of the peers he and Lord Charlington liked.
With all the security and ushers, it was very easy for her to find the restroom. After relieving herself, she washed her hands and did a quick retouch on her makeup. Just a little pat of powder and a coat of lip balm. Satisfied with her touch up, she walked back towards the ballroom.
When she was near the entrance, she bumped into a tall man with black hair and deep black eyes. He looked to be of Arabian descent. He was wearing a light brown tuxedo. He had a roguish appeal to him. Overall, she could say that he is a good-looking man but something about his presence scares her.
"I am so sorry, sir. I didn't see you", she quickly apologized.
"No apology needed from the beautiful lady", the man's voice was husky. His stare is intense. She felt naked under his gaze so she just wants to be away from this man's presence.
"Well, if you'd excuse me, sir", she said with a polite nod. She was about to walk away, but he had a firm grip on her arm.
"Be careful my lady. The world is full of dangerous men just waiting on innocent beautiful women such as yourself. If you were mine, I would make sure you'd always be close to me", he warned. The look in his eyes made her shiver with fear. She was about to retort but he already let go of her arm and walked away.
She walked back to the ballroom quite shaken because of that brief encounter. Whoever that man is, he is very dangerous...
When Hermione returned from the restroom, he could immediately tell that something is not right. Since the auction is not yet starting, he leaned closer to her ear so that he could talk to her privately.
"Love, are you alright? Is something the matter?", his tone laced with worry. If any of those jealous women said anything to offend her, I'd seriously get so pissed and will wandlessly hex those women with incurable pimples.
"I'm fine, it's just I ran into someone awhile ago. I don't know him but something about him doesn't feel right", she whispered back. He placed his arm at the back of her chair. He scooted his chair to move closer to hers.
"We can go home now if you're not comfortable anymore", he gently held one of her hands. He could feel the slight trembling of the hand he held in his own. Whatever happened, it frightened her.
"No. Let's stay. You have an obligation here. I'll tell you all about it at home", she reassuringly said.
"Alright. But if you feel that you can no longer stay here, just say the word, and we'll go", his eyes searched her face for any clue on what could have happened to her but all he could see is fear and relief.
The auction passed by in a blur. He donated a diamond necklace which got a fairly high bid. He, in turn, won the bid for a first edition copy of Jane Austen's Persuasion. He knew he had to win it as soon as he heard the gasp Hermione made during the announcement. The look in her eyes made him determined to purchase the book for her. After the closing ceremonies, they quickly said goodbye to the Charlingtons before asking a valet to bring his car to the driveway.
As soon as they entered the penthouse, he was surprised when Hermione wrapped her arms around him and sniffed. His jaw clenched in anger. Whoever did this to her is going to pay!
"Oh, love. I am so sorry. If I only knew you'd be this upset, we shouldn't have gone to the auction", he whispered as he gently rubbed her back in a comforting gesture.
"Make love to me, Harry. I need to feel safe", she whispered.
"Hermione, you're not feeling well", he tried to gently dissuade her from the request she made.
"I want to feel you. I need to feel safe, Harry… Please", she sniffed once again.
"Are you sure, love?", he wanted to make sure that she is aware of what she is doing.
"Yes, make love to me please", she said. He could hear the certainty in her voice despite the tears in her eyes.
"It would be my great honor, my lady", he whispered to her ear before he maneuvered her in his arms into a bridal carry. Tonight, he would do anything to reassure her that she is safe in his arms. He needs to show her how much he loves her. He has to make her feel that his every touch means that she is alive and well. He will make her feel his solemn promise that he will do absolutely anything to keep her safe...Always. If making love to her is what she needs, then he would happily spend the rest of the night showing his love for her through his actions...