A/N: As promised, I present you the next installment of 'Kill Your Darlings'
I just saw the new promo of 'Murder In The First' and Tom Felton's character reminds me of the muggle version of Draco 'Slytherin Sex God' Malfoy we fanfiction writers write about. It's creepy that sometimes imagination becomes reality :P
Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter!
It was a bright afternoon of July, while we lay down under our favorite tree by the lakeside. It was a peaceful atmosphere when a stream of giggles escaped my mouth. His rough fingers tickled against the soft skin under my knees while I kept enjoying his loving touches on my body.
"Ha-Harry!" I let out my lover's name between my laughs as he kept tickling me. "Harry! You-you need to st-stop!"
"And why on earth would I do that Miss Granger?" Harry playfully asked as his hands untucked my shirt from the skirt and darted inside to tickle my sides. "You just insulted my nose!"
"It's true that your nose is as huge as a piece of ginger." I said as my laughter subsided and his beautiful emerald orbs mock glared at me. "And before I continued, you started to punish with a tickle war."
"Alright, what else did you want to say?" Harry asked me in a husky whisper, rolling himself on top of my petite body.
Instantly, my hand went to caress his unshaven jaw as I started to speak. "As I said before, your nose is as huge as a piece of ginger." He rolled his eyes. "Your eyes are like emeralds; so beautiful, so innocent, so clear. That one thing which makes me love you more." I caressed his eyelids with my thumb which brought out his lovely dimples on the cheeks. "These cute little dimples right here, makes you more like a kid than a young man." I then started tracing his lip with my thumb and gazed into his eyes. Harry started to lean closer as I said "Your lips are worth dying for." My voice came out to be husky. "Harry, I love everything about you, and I can already picture myself spending the future with you."
"Hermione," my name comes out of his mouth like silk. "I love you so much." He says, placing small kisses all over my face. "You complete me."
He finally kisses me softly on the lips and I respond with vigor. I had never imagined that our friendship, six year old would eventually turn into a stronger feeling of lust and love. Some years ago, I loved Harry as my friend, but now I love him as my life. The feelings we had for each other could never be more perfect than it already was.
He broke away and gave a last peck on my lips, which brought a huge smile on my face. "I love you too." I whispered. He kissed me again, and I couldn't suppress my laugh against his pulpy lips. "I love you so much." I laughed out and caught his upper lips with my teeth. He did the same for a payback, bringing out laughter from our mouths.
Harry then smiled dearly at me and placed a lingering kiss on my forehead. I closed my eyes at his feather light touch, when he gave me another kiss on my nose and then on my lips. I couldn't help but smile at this young man I loved, as he nestled his head into my chest and started to draw imaginary patterns on my arm. This brought me caress his messy ebony mane out of adoration.
Harry loved me for whoever and whatever I was and I couldn't love him less.
All I could imagine was our future where I was Hermione Potter, a successful writer while my dear husband was an honored detective.
I could hear the pitter-patter of our children all around the Potter House.
When all of a sudden everything started to fade and I realized that all of this was a part of that dream which would never come true.
Hermione woke up with a start to find herself not in Harry's arms but her very own room, where the running fan stared idly back at her. She sat up slowly, thinking about that small piece of memory which formed her dream last night. Smiling at Harry's kisses, she sat up on the bed and opened the nightstand drawer to reveal a picture of hers and her lover's which was taken at the end of the First World War. Placing a small kiss on Harry's face, she retrieved the picture and got on her feet to greet another day of house arrest and also, Sir Potter.
It had been two months since the Prime Minister's murder and all the four suspects were kept on house arrest with high security. The news had spread like a wild fire and had deeply affected Hermione's acting career. All the directors and producers she had worked with supported her words while others who ignored and envied her wished deeply that she was the guilty one. Hermione however was thankful to get a few months of break and spending it wisely on Harry who had been visiting her thrice a week for interrogation.
Though not what it used to be, Harry used to pay her a small visit for questioning and understanding her life ever since she got married to Jeremy Walsh. He made notes, while she made him tea just as he liked it; with less cream and two cubes of sugar. He used to question, she used to answer, he used to then wave her goodbye and she used to smile and wave him back.
However, that's not what she wanted. Hermione wanted them to be like what they were a decade ago. All romantic, snuggled up by the couch, sharing few kisses, touching each other lovingly and whispering loving things to each other. Yes, that's what she wanted. Only if Harry would've been too forward ...
Harry is doing his job! Her mind screamed. You're a suspect and he's your interrogator, nothing more.
Groaning to herself Hermione jumped out of her bed and grabbed her dressing gown from the hanger, when the doorbell rang.
"Marie!" She called out, "can you- oh!"
Then it hit her that Harry had temporarily dismissed her house maid. Now Hermione had no other option than to untangle her soft morning curls with her fingers and dart towards the door to answer the visitor as the doorbell rang again.
"Coming!" She called out, opening the door to find Harry and a young woman standing on the porch. Hermione's eyes widened as Harry did nothing but gawked at her unattractive appearance while the other merely smiled at her.
"Oh, good morning Harr- Sir Potter!" Hermione stuttered. "What brings you here so early?" She further asked.
"It's ten in the morning." Harry said with a small smile.
Hermione chuckled and ran her fingers through her hair. "Then I must've overslept, as you can see. Anyway, how rude of me to let you two stand outside! Please do-"
"Hermione, I need to get going. I have an important meeting with the Queen." Harry said apologetically. "I just came here to leave my sister with you as she seeks for some wedding ideas from an expert." Harry continued when he spotted a frown on Hermione's face, knowing she had misunderstood his words.
"Um, alright." Hermione mumbled to herself and then smiled brightly at Elena. "Please come in!" She said, when the younger Potter gave her brother a kiss on the cheek and moved inside.
Before Harry could leave, he said "By the way Hermione, I'm canceling our interrogation for today so that you can spend your day with Ellie. I know you're getting bored without your movies and acting."
"Thanks Harry." Hermione said with a small smile when she realized that she was in her nightdress.
"And don't act as if I've not seen you like this." Harry added slyly. "I've seen you wear lesser than the nightgown you're wearing."
Her eyes grew at his words as Harry smiled at her and took his leave. Did he just get cheeky with her?
Of course he did. She thought. But he's still your interrogator who-
"Minnie?"
Hermione closed the door and smiled widely at herself. As soon as she turned around, she found her face obstructed by a silky red mane as the younger girl hugged her with all her energy.
"My Ellie Belly," Hermione chuckled against Elena's hair. "I missed you so much!"
"Same here." Elena gave out a teary chuckle and withdrew herself from the embrace. "And please don't call me Ellie Belly for lord's sake. I am twenty two and getting married next month-"
"But you'll still be my Ellie Belly." Hermione smiled at her surrogate sister. "Not even Harry calls you that!"
Elena made a face and chuckled slightly, when Hermione looked dearly at her and said "You've grown into a beautiful young woman." She then smoothened her fiery red mane. "You're a dead copy of your mother."
"Funny even Harry says the same." Elena said with a laugh. "And you, Minnie, have not changed at all. You're still the very same, except your hair; It's short now."
"I had to do it for the films." Hermione sighed.
"Or was it to forget my brother?" The girl asked meekly.
Hermione did nothing but smile at Elena. She did cut her hair to forget Harry, who had been fond of her long brunette curls. The way he played with her tendrils haunted her past which Hermione wanted to forget and close all the passages which led to them. So, she did everything to start a new life, be it cutting her hair short, just to forget Harry.
"Partly, yes." Hermione admitted. "He loved my long hair, you know."
"Who didn't?" Elena said with a chuckle.
There was a moment to comfortable silence, when Hermione decided to speak again.
"I am sorry for my appearance by the way." She said with an embarrassing smile. "If I would've woken up earl-"
"It's okay Minnie." Elena said in assurance. "Why don't you go and freshen up while I make us breakfast?" The two girls chuckled. "Anyway, I've been wanting to prove to you that I am a better cook than Harry."
Harry stood outside Hermione's house at sharp 19:00 hours. With him, stood Derek, who was anxiously eyeing at his watch and then at the door. He then looked at future his brother-in-law, who motioned him to ring the bell. Nodding to Harry, Derek rang the bell and the two men waited patiently, when the door opened.
Harry's face brightened at the sight of his ex who made an appearance before him and Derek in a knee length black pencil skirt, matched with a sleeveless white top. Her short curls bounced over her shoulder as she welcomed the two men in glee.
"Good evening you two!" Hermione greeted, ushering Harry and Derek in. "Just in time for dinner."
"Actually miss Granger," Harry started. "Derek will be leaving with Elena, he has arranged a-"
"Date." Hermione finished, smiling at Derek. "I understand."
"I'm sorry." Derek apologized shyly. "I wish-"
"It's okay Mister Hallway. You're Elena's husband to be." Hermione smiled at the younger man. "Although, I must say, we should catch up."
"Sure, next time maybe?" Derek asked, earning a nod from the brunette.
"Anytime Mister Hallway. I would love to know more about the man who captured my Ellie Belly's heart." Hermione said, earning a chuckle from Derek. "She's like my sister, I'm sure Si- Harry has told you."
"Of course he mentioned." Derek said when Elena came walking down Hermione's bedroom, and kissed her fiancé chastely on the lips.
Harry and Hermione too awkwardly withdrew their gazes from the engaged couple when their eyes met understandingly for milliseconds. The two used to be the very same when they were allowed to express their love to each other. And now, the distance between the two cliffs was too long to be explained. However, as their lips couldn't utter a word, their eyes exchanged those sweet little words which were wished to be said.
"Ellie, I swear these two had enough show of our face-sucking." Derek's voice broke the gaze Harry and Hermione were sharing. "Or maybe they-"
"Oh hush you!" Elena playfully swatted his shoulder and then looked at Hermione who had been smiling at her. "It was nice seeing you Minnie." She said. "And just think about the small request of mine."
"Sure." Hermione said, returning a smile and placing a kiss on the younger woman's cheek. "Just try to meet me again, okay."
"You know I can never say no to you." Elena replied.
"Anyway, you two better get going." Harry reminded the couple. "Weren't your reservations at seven thirty?"
Derek checked his watch and exclaimed "Right, we're running late! It's better if we get going." Shaking Hermione's hand, he said "I'm hoping to see you soon."
"You surely will," Hermione said with a smile. "Good night."
"Good night." Derek wished back when the couple left Harry and Hermione in complete silent atmosphere. Only the crackling of the fire was heard, when Hermione cleared her throat and decided to speak.
"So Sir Potter, are you going to stay for drinks or for an interrogation?" She asked.
Harry sighed and looked at her "I want to talk to you Hermione." He said quietly. "About the hearing you know."
Hermione nodded at him and said, "Could you wait for me in the study? I'm going to make myself some tea. Do you want some?"
"Tea will be great. Thanks." Harry said with a nod and guided himself towards the study like he always did.
Every evening till then, the two were engrossed in immense sessions of interrogation, where Harry learned many new things about Hermione's new life. As glad he was to get to spend some time with Hermione, Harry never liked the interrogation sessions with her. After their sessions of questioning and answering, all Harry wanted to do tonight was talk to her, just like the old times. He knew once this case was over and Hermione was proved innocent, they will be together again and live the life they had always dreamed of. It would go slowly and sweetly, but eventually Harry knew they would end up together.
Skimming through the books kept in the shelf, Harry caught a dusted picture kept all untouched between the books. Knowing he was being nosy, he slowly took it out to find a fourteen year old version of himself, grinning with his pearly white teeth. His arms hugged a nine year old Elena close to him. Hermione had kept this picture they had taken the day before the Second World War struck. Guilt flushed into his mind when Harry realized that he had burnt all those memories which were linked to Hermione, while she had a piece of him and had kept it in the place she loved the most; her study.
"Um, Harry?" It's was Hermione's voice from the study door, which made Harry keep the picture back to its place. "Your tea is ready."
Harry smiled at the brunette as she placed the tray on the coffee table in front of her favorite cozy arm chair and Harry took the seat opposite to her armchair. He intently looked at Hermione as she poured him a cup of tea and handed it with a smile.
"Thank you." Harry said politely as Hermione poured herself some tea. "You know, I missed your secret tea." He added.
"Secret tea?" Hermione asked with a chuckle.
"It's completely different from what others make." Harry said, sipping his beverage.
The brunette's cheeks tinged red as she continued to sip her tea.
"Hermione," Harry started after a moment of silence. "I just wanted to say that, may lord be with you tomorrow." She gave him a questioning look. "I did whatever I could and I can't completely side with you. Herm-"
"It's okay Harry." Hermione said in assurance. "You are supposed to be the one to accuse me. I completely understand-"
"I know you do." Harry said softly. "But I don't want you to forget that I never wanted to fight against you."
Hermione kept her cup on the table and looked dearly at him, when Harry too, followed the same suit. He had no idea what made him get up and kneel in front of the woman he loved and take her soft, small hands into his large ones.
"Hermione," he started looking into her beautiful chocolate eyes. "I promise to you that once all of this is over, I'll do everything to make it up to you. I know you hated me for leaving you after we had made many promises to fulfill. As much as I tried to forget you, I couldn't. You haunted my mind Hermione Granger, you still do."
Hermione was touched at Harry's confession as her hands instinctively went to cup his face. "I could never hate you Harry," her voice quivered and her eyes went teary. "As much as I tried, I couldn't. I want us to be 'us' again, I really do. Only if-"
"You weren't accused of the murder." Harry finished for her. "Minnie, my heart says that you're innocent, while my mind-" he sighed. "It says that you deserve a severe punishment for the murder. And your fate is to be decided tomorrow." Hermione nodded. "Before anything happens, let me do something that I swore never to do."
Hermione questioningly looked at him when Harry brought his lips to hers. Chills of shock were felt in their veins as Harry continued to move his lips on hers, seeking for a response. Disappointment took over him when he never felt Hermione's lips moving harmoniously with his, and his head withdrew in shamelessness to search her brown eyes which were swelling up with tears.
"I'm so sorry." He murmured with a frown. "I shouldn't have-"
His words went muffled at Hermione pressed her lips to his. He felt her smile against his lips as her salty teardrops fell into his mouth. Harry's heart soared as her arms went around his neck and pulled him closer. Responding gently to Hermione's kisses, he cupped her face and kept caressing her soft cheeks with his thumb.
Hermione felt surreal. She still thought that this was a dream. Harry kissing her with such passion was the last thing on her mind for the evening, but here they were. His hands caressing her face while hers wrapped tightly around his neck was something Hermione had never imagined to happen again. Did this mean that Harry still loved her or was it because of lust? She would never know.
Harry broke away with a smile and gave her a lingering peck on the lips before resting his forehead against hers. His minty breath mingled with her strawberry ones when their eyes finally found each other.
"What we just did, was wrong." Harry rasped out, earning a small frown from his girl. "It was wrong, but it felt right in so many ways." He gently caressed her lips with his thumb. "Hermione, as wrong as it was, you know it was right. You felt it."
"What are you saying Harry?" Hermione asked meekly.
"What I am saying is that, I want you back in my life." Harry gave her an honest answer. "I can't ignore you anymore. I need you so much."
I love you, he added silently in his mind. I want to spend my life with you.
"Oh Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, caressing her nose with his.
I love you too, she thought. I can't stay away from you anymore.
"I promise that, if the judge decides to prove you innocent, I will gladly make you mine all over again." Harry said, placing a kiss on her forehead. "And if not, just remember that whatever we had in our past, and the moment we just shared needs to be forgotten for good."
It hurts me so much to let you go again, he further thought.
Hermione gave herself a teary smile as she buried her head into Harry's neck. She felt him lovingly caressing her back, while rocking her back and forth as if she were a small child. Now her fate was in the judge's hand. If he decided to set her free from accusation, Hermione would get the life she wanted to live with Harry. If not, all the love she thought Harry had for her would take a turn towards hatred.
However for now, she had what she wanted; Harry, his kisses and his arms around her.
She wished this continue for the rest of her life.
All she wanted was to stay there with Harry and grow old.
A/N: I had to make sure that the last line had to appear in this chapter. It only makes sense then!
And ... I can't make any promises of posting the next chapter very soon because-
a) I have my Architecture entrance and high school results to worry about.
b) My beta is currently under exam pressure and then will be leaving to Borneo for holidays.
c) I have not even completed writing the next chapter. :P
Till then, I want to thank all the followers and reviewers :)
And don't hesitate to leave a review. It gives me satisfaction and motivation to write my stories.
P.S: Get me 20+ reviews to unlock the next chapter.
P.P.S: No, I am serious. :P