"Ronald! Ronald, if you don't get down here your breakfast is going to get cold!" Ron shot up from what at been peaceful slumber at his mother's piercing tones. Breakfast? Must've overslept. Ron managed to find a relatively clean robe and yanked it on before hurrying downstairs, his bare feet slapping on the stairs. When he got to the kitchen he could see that everyone else was already eating. Ron wasted no time joining them. After his first helping of eggs and bacon, Ron took a moment to look around. He was a bit surprised to see Harry looking tense and Hermione glancing over at him a bit too often to be normal. I wonder if they had a fight last night or something? Sucks to be you, mate, but this does make things easier for me. I think maybe it's time to put the next phase of my plan into action.
"Hey, I had a thought: how about we go swimming after breakfast? Ginny and I can show you the swimming pond we have in the woods."
"Yes! That's a brilliant idea, Ron. I can't wait to show you two my new muggle bathing suit."
"I suppose we could. We really should wait until an hour after we've eaten to prevent cramping though."
"...right. What about you Harry?" Harry just shrugged. Hah! I knew it. Everything is going exactly as I predicted. "Okay, let's all get changed then. We'll meet down here in fifteen minutes." The girls headed up the stairs and Ron followed them feeling just a twinge of sympathy for Harry who stayed in the kitchen. Ron hurried up to his room and pulled on his swimming trunks. They don't cover much do they? Still, that was the whole point, I can't jolly well abandon the plan now. Ron performed a final check in the mirror before grabbing his towel and heading back downstairs. Huh, would you look at that? Harry's still here.
"What's wrong, Harry? Don't want to come swimming with us?"
"I don't have a swimsuit." Ron tried to keep his happiness at this further proof that his plan was working off his face; it wouldn't be right to enjoy his best friend's discomfort like that. The two boys sat in an awkward silence for a few minutes before Ron got impatient. I can't believe the plan is working so well. The only issue is that the girls are taking so long. Can't they bloody well hurry up? He stalked to the foot of the stairs.
"Oi! Will you two hurry up?!"
"Oh, you and Harry just go ahead if you're that impatient, will you?! I'll make sure Hermione finds her way there!"
"Fine! You heard her, mate. You are still coming along aren't you?"
"Yeah." Good. It just wouldn't be right if you were left to mope around the kitchen all by yourself and now Hermione will be able to compare us and realise that I am the physically superior of the two of us. Ron led the way into the woods behind the Burrow. They followed a well worn path until they came to a clearing with a large pond in it. The pond could just as easily have been called a small lake for its size. It was impossibly clear and the sand visible at the bottom impossibly clean. It was a testament to the ingenuity and magical ability of generations of Weasleys past and never failed to make Ron feel a swell of pride that he was a part of this family.
"What do you think?"
"It looks amazing." Ron felt that swell of pride grow at Harry's honestly impressed tone. He spread his towel on the ground under one of the trees and sat down on it. Out of the corner of his eye Ron saw Harry sitting down next to him in the grass. Their silence out here was far more comfortable as they could each become entirely absorbed in the scenery around them. Ron felt his ears perk up at a sound behind him. A moment later Hermione's voice confirmed that the girls had arrived.
"Oh my, this is absolutely lovely!" As Hermione and Ginny came into view Ron could see that Ginny was wearing one of her sundresses over her new bathing suit. Hermione had her towel tied around her waist like some sort of skirt but that wasn't what caught Ron's attention. Hermione was wearing what looked like a one piece, white swimsuit with a turtleneck. Well, it isn't what I was hoping for, but damned if she doesn't look good. Hermione looked over and Ron saw her face soften and a smile spread on her lips. This is working even better than I had anticipated. Just wait 'til she gets a real eyeful.
Ron stood up and assumed the pose he had been practicing for this moment since he conceived of his plan: one hand on his hip, one hand brushing back through his hair with his eyes closed until he turned and opened them in Hermione's direction while flashing her his most charming smile. Hermione shot him a look he couldn't read but walked over to them and put her towel on the ground on the other side of Harry. Ron fought to keep a frown off his face. Maybe she's doing it out of pity, so Harry will seem more included. Oh well, as long as she goes into the water with me rather than staying on the shore with him I win this round.
"Come on, everyone! Last one in is a rotten bundimun!" Ron said before running at the water and jumping in with a loud splash. When he came up he saw Hermione walking into the pond calmly while Ginny was still on shore, standing in front of Harry. She was swaying slightly and slowly let her dress fall from her shoulders slowly. Soon she was standing in just a skimpy green bikini and a challenging pose. Harry's face was beetroot red and he was looking anywhere but at Ginny. Damn it, Ginny. If anyone else saw that you would get a reputation. It's a good thing Harry knows better than to piss off the Weasley brothers. Ron couldn't hear what Ginny was saying but he was sure that she was trying to get Harry to join them in the water. Not a chance, Gin. I know my best mate.
Eventually Ginny gave up on her attempts to get Harry in the water and joined Ron and Hermione in splashing about. Ron started a dunking war by picking Hermione up and dropping her back into the pond. Wow, that felt even better than I imagined. I can't wait for the plan to reach its conclusion. After several minutes of the dunking war Hermione had apparently had enough and left the water to sit beside Harry on the shore.
:-:-:-:-:
Honestly! Must this devolve into this kind of juvenile horseplay? I half expected it from Ron, but Ginny too? It would be so much more enjoyable if I could get a chance to float and enjoy the scenery, maybe swim around the pond a bit to get some exercise in. I really should have given some more thought to what swimming with the Weasleys would entail. I've spent enough time here to know that quiet and calm are not really their style.
"Done swimming?"
"Yes. All this horse-play isn't really my speed." And I'm not that comfortable with being constantly touched either. I'm not sure whether he was doing it on purpose, but I don't really like Ron grabbing my rear like that. "Why didn't you come into the water?"
"I don't have a swimsuit." What? That doesn't make any sense. Even if he doesn't have any swimming trunks of his own he could have asked Mrs. Weasley to transfigure him something. Okay, maybe Mrs. Weasley wouldn't be the best option but Bill or Fleur have a day off and could help him out. Why would he not think of- oh. Ron had just come out of the water and was doing some ridiculous stretches with his back to them; his completely unscarred back. Oh, Harry how could I have been so blind? You can't go swimming without giving your secret away, can you? But if you wore a shirt...no, you only have those oversized hand-me-downs. There is too much chance of it floating up and revealing what you don't want anyone to see while you're in the water, isn't there? How do I help you overcome this? There has to be a way.
Hermione mentally ran through all the swimwear she had ever seen in an effort to come up with some kind of answer. By the time she had remembered watching several young men surfing on Mediteranean waves, Ron and Ginny had joined them and spread out on their own towels. Darn. I can't tell Harry that I might know of a way for him to join us with the others around. Ron had his eyes closed, his hands laced behind his head and a knee drawn up while leaving the other leg extended. I wonder if he realises how silly he looks? Probably not. Ginny was in an oddly similar pose but on her side. I think I need to take some time to talk with her soon. She's safe enough here, but at Hogwarts someone might get the wrong idea.
The teens stayed out by the pond for a while drying off in the warm summer sun. Conversation was slow, but that actually suited Hermione just fine. I need to make sure that we have an escort if we're to go shopping. I wonder where we could go? I rather doubt that Ottery St. Catchpole will have what we need. I still need to talk Harry into going with me. I think I can manage that. Hermione's mind kept churning coming up with ideas and discarding them as she worked through the problem. Finally she was sure she had a plan that was feasible. Well, it isn't completely unrealistic. I hope.
Eventually they headed back to the Burrow. The group had barely gotten through the door when Ron and Ginny started running for the stairs, pushing and shoving each other as they went.
"I get to shower first. You take forever."
"I have long hair. That takes a long time to get clean. Besides, you take longer than I do, what's your excuse?"
"I do not take longer than a girl!"
"Do too."
"Do not."
"Do too." There is something to be said for being an only child I suppose. Hermione followed Harry into the living room rather than trying to get embroiled in the fight heading towards the shower. I'd rather have a stress-free shower than be the first one in. It's not like the hot water will run out with the conjuring rune sets that magical houses use. She watched Harry flop down on the couch and close his eyes. I wonder what's going through your mind right now?
"Harry?"
"Hmmm?"
"You should join us next time."
"I told you Hermione: I don't have any swimming gear. I've never even seen any that would, um, cover everything."
"I thought so. I'll just have to prove that it exists when we go shopping for appropriate swimming attire."
"Hermione?"
"Just trust me, Harry. I promised to keep your secret and I will. I just want you to be able to join in with the rest of us. You shouldn't have to miss out on something like swimming if the solution is so easy." Hermione saw an odd combination of hope and nervousness in his eyes. I'll make sure that you can join in with us, Harry. I promise.
"I'm going to grab a shower and work on some preparations for our shopping trip. The others should be back soon enough." Hermione left the living room and Harry behind her and headed up to the room she had all to herself. She quickly grabbed her toiletries and her bath towel. It only took her a moment to find the other things she would need: a pair of lacquered, rosewood tokens. I hope these things carry enough weight to get the favours I want. It really is the weakest point of this plan.
Hermione walked back down to the landing below the one her room was on and knocked on one of the doors holding her breath. It opened a minute later to reveal a slightly mussed looking Bill.
"Hermione?"
"Hello, Bill. Could I talk to you and Fleur for a moment?"
"Sure. Come on in." Hermione looked around the former Head Boy's room. It was neat but a little impersonal. I suppose it would be, with how little time he's spent here over the past decade. Fleur was sitting on the bed, her hair impeccable and at complete odds with the tangle of sheets she was sitting on and the slight swelling in her lips. "What was it you wanted to talk about, then?"
"I wanted to trade these in for a pair of favours."
"Hmm, and what favours did you want from us?"
"Fleur, if I pay you back for it, could you get me a jar of Bruise Salve and not ask any questions about why I need it?"
"You are not 'urt seriously?"
"No."
"Zen, oui, I can do zis for you."
"Bill, I need to ask you for a more difficult favour. I need you to take Harry and me shopping in a muggle city. I think Exeter should have what we need and it's fairly close."
"I assume that the reason you're asking me is that you don't want to have a lot of Order members along?"
"Correct. I understand that they want to protect Harry, but I think that with how much they stand out in the muggle world we would just be drawing needless attention to ourselves."
"Can I trust that this shopping trip is important?"
"It...it's not something we're just doing on a whim. It's not going to have a direct impact on the war, but in its own way I think this may be one of the more important things we could do to help Harry." Bill looked her over carefully while he thought it over.
"Very well. I'll have to see when I can get some time off and I'll have to check out possible apparition points around...Exeter was it?"
"Yes and thank you both!"
"De riens, 'Ermione."
"Yeah, think nothing of it." I think that my interruption may have gone on long enough.
"Well thank you anyway. I'll just get out of your hair now."
"You do that." I wonder what makes physical intimacy so wonderful that people can't seem to stop doing it at the most random moments? Maybe I can find out this year. Well, some proper kissing at least. We'll just have to see about the rest of it. After Hermione had heard Bill's door slam and lock behind her she headed for the shower. She could hear the shower running inside and decided to just wait. How long could it take?
Nearly half an hour later Hermione was regretting asking herself that question. The shower had cut off moments ago, so whoever was in there must be drying off. Or trying their best to fall into the mirror like some modern day Narcissus. Hermione immediately regretted her uncharitable thought. Waiting out here for twenty-five, thirty minutes would be enough to wear on anyone's patience, but that shouldn't be an excuse.
Finally the door opened and Ron stepped out with his towel wrapped around his waist. Upon seeing her he grinned and turned to the side extending an arm towards the shower. Somehow I don't think that he plans to move before I go in. Hermione hurried past him clutching her towel and toiletries to her chest. I've never thought about it before, but thank goodness we don't have to share showers with the boys at Hogwarts. Right, a quick shower is all I need. I don't think magically clean water will have dirtied me too much.
After she had showered and dressed, Hermione made her way back to the living room where she had left Harry, book in hand. Sure enough, when she got there Harry and Ron were engaged in a game of chess with Ginny watching on. Hermione settled down on the couch behind them and watched for a few moves before opening her book. It doesn't seem to be a case of Harry being a bad player; rather, Ron is very good. It's nice of Harry that he keeps agreeing to play Ron despite knowing the difference in their abilities. That was the last thought she spared the game as she sank into the pages of her book.
"Hermione. Hermione!"
"Huh?! Harry?"
"Mrs. Weasley just called us for dinner." Dinner? Already? It's only-...wait. When did the light change? Oh. Hermione smiled a little sheepishly at Harry as she marked her page and put her book away.
"Thanks for coming to get me." Harry just smiled at her.
After dinner the boys and Ginny dove for the door to the living room. At least Harry remembered to thank Mrs. Weasley for cooking an excellent meal. I suppose it becomes something you take for granted if you eat it every day.
"'Ermione, wait."
"Fleur? What is it?"
"'Ere. It only cost five sickles. You can pay me ze money whenever you find ze time." Fleur gave Hermione a smile and a wink before heading into the living room where Hermione could see Bill had just entered. How on earth did she manage to find it so quickly? I mean apparition would shave off a large chunk of the time required for a shopping trip but...I think I'll have to do something nice for her soon. Hermione rushed up the stairs and hid her prize in her trunk before returning downstairs to join the rest.
:-:-:-:-:
I should have worked harder to keep my secret. It was only pain. How could I have been so weak? And look at the mess I've gotten myself into: this has to have been one of the tensest days I've ever had. Usually all the stress happens in a moment and then it's done. Harry was laying on his bed staring at the ceiling. I mean, I only ever told Ms. King and that may have been one of the worst disasters I've ever caused. Not quite as bad as Si...Sirius getting killed, but I completely ruined her life. Harry felt a shudder sweep through him at the unpleasant thought. Think of something else...ehm, the pond. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. So clean, so inviting, Hermione's bathing suit...NONONONONO! Not going there. Not again. Something else, think of something else. Voldemort and Bellatrix and the war. I need to tell Ron and Hermione about the prophecy, but I just can't seem to get the two of them alone somewhere long enough to bring it up. I need to be prepared to face the destiny in that prophecy. I need to work on my Occlumency. I don't want to think of what Voldemort or Bellatrix, or heck, even Snape would do if they found that memory of Hermione looking like some kind of angel in that suit. A really hot...STOP IT! Arrrgh! What's wrong with me? I can't seem to keep my own thoughts straight. I just need something to distract- A soft knock sounded at Harry's door. Thank you!
Harry practically bounced off of his bed and hurried to welcome the distraction in. He yanked the door open with a smile.
"Good, you're still up." Oh, for pity's sake! Hermione quickly stepped into the room and closed the door.
"Hermione? Is something the matter?"
"Not at all. I managed to get some Bruise Salve, like I said I would. Remember?" Hermione lifted the jar she was holding to show Harry who was standing gaping at her. She...she actually went that far? Why? "Take your shirt off and get on the bed, Harry. If you lay on your stomach I can finish what I started last night." YOU ARE NOT HELPING, HERMIONE! Did you have to phrase it like that? I still can't believe she hasn't run away in disgust; if she knew what I was thinking she probably would. At a pointed look from Hermione Harry lifted his shirt over his head and gingerly laid himself on the bed. A moment later he felt the same weight he had been remembering all day from last night settle on his hips. A moment later he shivered as a cool hand touched his shoulder.
"Did I hurt you?"
"No. It was just a little cold."
"Sorry. It really will help."
"I know. It's fine, Hermione." Your touch might send me 'round the twist though. In the end the opposite happened and Hermione's gentle strokes bringing relief in their wake made Harry relax. I don't think I've ever felt more comfortable. Harry's thoughts were moving at a languid pace. He never noticed that Hermione's fingers were no longer covered in salve as they traced over his back.
:-:-:-:-:
"Harry?"
"Hmmm?" Hermione couldn't help but smile at the slurred, sleepy voice. I don't think I've ever seen him this relaxed.
"Last night you said that you knew this was coming. What did you mean?"
"Did better 'n Dudley. Not 'llowed t' do better." Not allowed to outperform someone in school?! What were his aunt and uncle thinking? That's disgusting! And Harry seems to have just accepted it!
"So why did you?" Hermione tried to keep her voice soft, not wanting to break Harry form his trance like state.
"...you said y'were proud." What?! That can not be the only reason. Hermione was about to demand an explanation when she noticed that Harry's breathing had deepened and evened out. He fell asleep...how can you say something like that and fall asleep? How can you act like this is normal?...You act like this is normal if it is. Oh, Harry. You really went that far just for a chance to hear someone tell you that they were proud of you? Hermione could feel tears burning at the back of her eyes. I'll tell you more often from now on. You have so many reasons to be proud of yourself and I'm going to point them out to you until you can't deny them anymore.
Hermione noticed that she was still tracing the scars on Harry's back. There was something hypnotic about it. It's like following a maze. Every turn I take I learn something new about my best friend. I just hope that a few of those revelations will be less horrifying than what I've learnt so far. Tracing Harry's scars also helped Hermione feel closer to Harry in a way. I don't think I can ever really understand what he went through, but I am certainly going to be there for him. Harry's past may be riddled with atrocities, but I will make sure his future is filled with happiness. Not even Harry Potter will stop me from doing that.
Eventually Hermione felt weariness dragging at her. I need to get back to my own bed. I don't think Harry would understand what was going on if he woke up with me in his bed. I'm not that sure that I would either. Before her rational mind could dissect the action, Hermione had leant forward and kissed Harry's temple. She blushed as she realised what she had just done. Might as well go all the way and tuck him in now. Hermione drew Harry's blanket up to his shoulders.
"Sweet dreams, Harry." Hermione was careful not to make any noise as she left Harry's room and headed back to her own, her mind still trying to make sense of what she had learnt tonight.
:-:-:-:-:
Today went well. Ron was laying in bed, basking in a sense of accomplishment for how far his plan had progressed in just two days. Hermione in a swimsuit is definitely better than Hermione in her robes. I know that she felt a connection too. That smile when she entered the clearing tells me all I need to know. A few more swimming sessions and it will be a matter of opinion as to who is chasing whom. Maybe I should make sure that she can get me alone some time soon. It's a little early to introduce the idea of teaching her to fly properly; it would seem contrived and Hermione is smart enough that she might figure out that something's up. I think we should spend another day or two just relaxing by the swimming pond. It'll give her time to get more comfortable with me so she's ready when I do get her alone. Might just give us a few more opportunities to horse around. Circe's tits! It doesn't look it, but her arse felt great. Ron felt something stirring and slipped his hands under the covers. This plan is the best one I've ever come up with.
AN: Some of you may have noticed that I changed the title. I have done this because, as reviewer pointed out to me: it wasn't quite representative of the story.
As always: thank you for reading.