Thanks again to Pamela RR.
Harry and Hermione arrived at the Burrow Saturday afternoon. Their tardiness due to Harry visiting Hermione's room that Friday night after dinner. Their snogging session lasted through the night and both refused to leave the comfort of Hermione's bed that morning. Together they stayed wrapped in each other's arms. The closeness reminded them of their nights huddled together to stay warm. Nothing happened beyond the kissing, even though they both agreed not to take it too slow. They wanted to truly savor their time together and not just the intimate parts. True, they have been friends since they were eleven (Hermione twelve), but this was different. Spending so much time together at Hogwarts had solidified what they were both feeling. Who knew Hermione could love the Hogwarts library more than she already did? Sadly, it was she who had to bring them back to reality; reminding Harry they had somewhere to be.
So, now here they were; standing on the path leading to the Weasley's home.
"It's all going to be fine, isn't it Harry?" Hermione asked as they started down the path.
"I have no idea," replied Harry. Hermione stopped in the middle of the path her mouth opened then closed.
"Bloody hell Harry! A bit more encouragement would be nice," she said with her hands on her hips.
"Why lie Hermione? We both know emotions are going to run high. We're leaving in two weeks and we're together. What outcome are you expecting?" he asked.
"You're right Harry," she said as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. "I feel guilty. I feel guilty and I haven't done anything wrong. At least, I don't think it's wrong." Harry walked up to the witch and stroked her cheek with his thumb.
"This is your opportunity to find your family. They'll understand. Sure the timing is not going to go well, but this is out of your hands." Harry paused for a moment. "We don't have to bring us up. What we have is ours; it isn't anyone's business...but I don't plan on keeping us a secret for long."
"When did you get so bloody wise?" Hermione asked with a smirk on her face.
"War. When did you start swearing so much?" he asked.
"War," she replied as she moved closer to him placing her lips on his. They savored the feel of each other's mouths for a while, then once again Hermione had to bring them back to the now. "Let's go," she said.
When Harry and Hermione walked past the gates the front door opened and a flash of red hair ran out to greet them.
"Harry! I thought you weren't going to come!" Ginny wrapped her arms around Harry's waist and hugged him.
"Hey, Gin," he replied. "Hermione and I got...caught up with some extra duties at the castle." Hermione looked at Harry with a raised eyebrow. Harry just smiled back at her.
"Yes, extra duties. How are you Ginny?" asked Hermione as the younger witch pulled back from her hug with Harry.
"Hey Mione. I'm alright, I guess. Everyone is inside." Ginny pointed to the open door behind her. "Do you want to take a walk by the pond?" she asked as her focus went back to Harry. Hermione moved passed the couple to the front door then turned back to look at Harry, an insincere smile on her lips.
"Um. Not right now Gin. I want to say hello and settle in," replied Harry.
"Alright. Perhaps later?"
"We'll see," he smiled at the younger witch then moved past her to walk into the house with Hermione.
The Burrow looked the same inside; the only change was the feeling. The warmth that filled the home was not as prominent as it once was. But that was expected. It had only been a month since Fred passed; his absence was noticeable.
"Hello dears," Molly Weasley walked out of the kitchen drying her hands on a kitchen towel. "You've just come in time for lunch. Go ahead and put your things upstairs. I have to gather the boys from outside. Harry you'll be staying in Ron's room. He's been staying in the twins-" she paused for a second. "He's been staying with George in his old bedroom. Hermione you'll be with Ginny as usual. Now, off you go and hurry back down," she smiled.
"I'll go gather the boys mum," replied Ginny as she walked back to the kitchen with her mother to yell out the back door.
After placing their belongings in their assigned bedrooms for the night they headed back down to have lunch with the Weasleys. As they reached the table to sit the back door opened with Ron walking in first.
"Harry! Hermione! It's good to see you!" Ron came up to pat Harry on the back then moved behind him and hugged Hermione. "Hey Mione. I expected you earlier."
"Hey Ron. Sorry, Harry and I got," she paused and looked at Harry over Ron's shoulder, "Caught up with some extra duties at the castle." She smiled as Harry raised an eyebrow.
Before Ron could reply the door opened again. In walked George, Arthur, and Charlie.
"Sit down everyone, food's coming," shouted Molly over the noise of her children and husband. The group exchanged hellos and quick hugs before they started to find their seats.
"So, you're Harry Potter?" Charlie reached out his hand to Harry to shake. "Charlie Weasley, it's a pleasure to finally meet the hero of the wizarding world." Harry's cheeks turned light pink as he accepted the man's hand.
"Hi Charlie, it's nice to meet you," he replied then walked around the table to sit down. The comment made Harry uncomfortable, but he would never say that to anyone. Ginny quickly walked up and took the seat next to him.
"And you must be Hermione," said Charlie as he once again extended his hand. "I'm honored to finally meet you too. I've heard a lot about you." He smiled at the brunette witch.
"Yes, Hermione Granger. It is nice to meet you Charlie. I've heard a lot about you too, and I'm quite fascinated about the work you do," she replied.
"Thanks. I appreciate that."
"You're welcome," said Hermione as a blush tinted her cheeks. Charlie smiled at her again pushing out the seat next to him. She sat down and whispered a "thank you" to the tall muscular man. None of this going unnoticed by the black haired wizard across from them.
Eating and friendly conversation filled the kitchen, bringing back memories of a time before the war. Hermione and Charlie struck up an easy conversation. Harry couldn't help but glare at the couple across from him, even as Ginny spoke to him about her summer and upcoming 7th year. His attention was focused on the rugged man smiling at Hermione with his set of perfect white teeth and stupid earring. Charlie was explaining the workings of the dragon sanctuary in Romania. He noticed how Hermione eyes would widen as the older Weasley explained the different dragons at the sanctuary. Right then and there Harry came to a conclusion, Percy Weasley was no longer his least favorite Weasley!
"That sounds lovely, to work in a field you truly love. I hope I can do that one day." Harry heard Hermione tell Charlie.
"It's brilliant actually. I hate being so far from home, but being around the dragons makes it worth it," replied Charlie.
"I'm sure you can imagine as a Muggleborn we were taught dragons were make believe. To finally see one my 4th year and to have...flown on top of one is still unbelievable to me," she laughed.
"I definitely need to hear that story!" Charlie replied. Hermione simply smiled at him. "So, what are your upcoming plans before the school restarts. I'm assuming you're going to finish the year you missed?"
"Um," Hermione paused, "No major plans right now, just working on restoring the school. And yes, I would like to return to complete my N.E.W.T.s. Professor McGonagall did mention an exhilarated program, so I wouldn't have to stay a whole year. I'll be able to finish by the Christmas holidays."
"That's great. How's Hogsmeade looking?" Charlie asked.
"Better everyday. The Three Broomsticks is already open and most of the shops are hoping to reopen once the new school year begins in September."
"I think I'll have to go visit the town again. It's been a very long time since I've been there and I would love to help if I can."
"I think everyone in the town will appreciate that. It's great that your here to be with your family as well. I can tell you, being here is having an impact on them."
"Thanks Hermione. That means a lot. I can't imagine being so far away right now. To be honest, I also miss the Three Broomsticks Butterbeer," he said with a wink of his eye. "Tell you what, would you like to meet me in Hogsmeade next week?" Before Hermione could respond, a chair scraping across the wooden floor brought everyone's attention to Harry.
"Sorry. I'm...not feeling well," said Harry as he turned to Mrs. Weasley then focused back on Hermione.
"Oh dear, do you need anything?" replied Molly.
"No, thank you Mrs. Weasley. I'll be fine."
"Are you sure you don't need anything Harry?" asked Ginny.
"No, thank you. I think I'll rest for a bit," he replied with another glance at Hermione.
"Of course, dear," replied Molly, "Let me know if you need anything."
Harry left the kitchen while everyone continued their conversations and meal. As lunch concluded Ron managed to convince his siblings to play a game of Quidditch. As Mrs. Weasley started to gather a few dishes the Weasleys started to head back outside.
"I'll go check on Harry. I'm sure he'll like to play," said Ginny.
"No young lady, I can use your help in the kitchen. Hermione can you check on Harry?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"Yes, of course. Ron, I'll let Harry know about the game," replied Hermione.
"Sounds good. See you out there," replied Ron as he exited the back door.
"Come Ginny, you can join the game once we're done in the kitchen," said the witch's mother as she grabbed a few empty cups from the table. Ginny looked at Hermione and shrugged her shoulders. "See you guys outside," she said with a roll of her eyes as she followed her mother.
Hermione walked up the narrow staircase to Ron's bedroom and knocked lightly on the door. "Harry, can I come in?" Instantly the door opened, a hand wrapped around her wrist pulling her inside the room. The door slammed shut behind her. Hermione felt a solid body pressing her against the door. Then, she felt the most delicious sensation of Harry's mouth trailing wet kisses down the delicate skin of her neck. "Not feeling well, indeed," she thought.