Harry Potter

Hermione paced her floor for a good hour before she began to get ready for her date with Harry. Of all the men who bid on her, the one with the most overwhelming impact on her life was Harry Potter. He'd been her best friend since she was eleven-years-old.

He saved her from a Troll; he was her first crush; he saw her go from awkward, to developed, to an adult; and he'd been by her side, unconditionally, the entire time. He was the single most important person in her life, and that made everything so much scarier.

If her dates with the other guys didn't work out, she could always be friends or go back to not having a relationship with them at all. If this blew up in her face, it would change her entire life. She cursed Harry for putting her in the position to begin with. Sure, she was just as curious as he was about their sexual tension. She'd wondered what it would be like to be with him for many years, but things were fine between them. Why shake it up?

Then again, if he'd never done this, would there have always been an unspoken tension between them? Was it better to see if something could grow between them, or ignore it? Ignoring it hadn't seemed to work so far, so she guessed she couldn't be too angry with him.

She felt awkward about dressing up for Harry, but considered it might be best to wear something a little nicer than her normal jeans and a tee shirt. Sighing in frustration, she decided on another sundress. It wasn't too dressy, but not so casual that it would seem like any other day. Pulling her hair into a loose twist, she couldn't even smile at her reflection this time, too torn up with anxiety. She hoped she didn't spend the entire date feeling like she was on the edge of puking.

An owl tapping on the window pulled her out of her thoughts. She quickly retrieved the note it was carrying, noting it was Ginny's. Feeding the owl a treat, it went on its way, so she guessed Ginny wasn't waiting for a response.

She opened the letter and smiled at her friend's words.

Hermione,

Relax. If I know you well, you've already paced a hole in your carpet. Just remember this: Harry will always be your friend. Let yourself give in today. Let him lead you, and see if you want to follow. The worst that can happen is that you have no chemistry and you go back to normal, perhaps with a little awkwardness on the side. We both know Harry and he will never give up on his friends.

Ginny

Well, at least her reaction was predictable. She chuckled to herself, taking a deep breath. She could do this. She was going to let go and see what happened, because no amount of worrying would help the situation. Harry's typical swift knock on her door interrupted her internal pep talk, and she stilled her heart before going to the door.

Opening it, she had to note that Harry looked impeccable. She always loved when he wore Muggle clothes, which was often when it was just them. He was wearing a pair of perfectly fitting jeans and a tight World Cup jersey. He'd gone casual, and she was glad she'd decided to go semi-casual as well.

"Come in," she said, greeting him with their usual kiss on both cheeks. He smelled amazing, and Hermione noticed he was wearing cologne, something he rarely bothered with when it was just the two of them. She smiled at this.

"Hey, Hermione," Harry greeted. She could tell he was nervous, but he was doing a good job of trying to hide it. For that, she was grateful. She was nervous enough for both of them.

"So, what's the game plan?" She asked, standing awkwardly in the living room with him.

"Actually, I set up lunch for us at my place. I wanted to do something nice for you, but you know how the press is. If we are caught together, extendable ears will be out, and we will be on the cover of every magazine," Harry said.

"True. After the article on Lucius and me, I have been avoiding my newspaper," Hermione chuckled.

"Well, they didn't seem to catch you out with Snape, but there's quite a lengthy one about you and Draco," Harry said, awkwardly looking at his shoes.

"Hmm," Hermione said wanting to change the subject from her previous dates. "Well, I think you are right. Let's Floo to your place." Harry smiled and nodded, feeling a tingle up his arm when he took Hermione's hand in his and led her into the Floo.

"Number 12 Grimmauld Place," He shouted and they were off. His hand tightened around hers as they moved through the system and she smiled to herself when they landed in his fireplace. She always felt safe with Harry. That was the best way to describe it. Even in their days on the run, and times of great uncertainty, Harry always made her feel safe in the sometimes cold, harsh world. She wondered, briefly, if that feeling would extend to her heart in an intimate relationship.

"Hi Kreacher!" Hermione greeted brightly when she saw the little elf.

"Hello, Miss Hermione," Kreacher croaked as he was walking into the kitchen, likely to prepare lunch. "Been a long time since you was here," he noted.

Hermione smiled. "Yes, I know. I'm glad to be back." She didn't realize when she started this process how long a week really was. She and Harry generally saw each other at least every other day. She hadn't seen him, save the awkward run in, in Diagon Alley, for a week.

She saw Harry beaming at her, some of his earlier nervousness had dissipated now that he had home field advantage. "It should be ready, would you like to eat first?" he asked.

"Sure," she smiled, allowing him to lead her into the dining room, separate from the kitchen. Usually they didn't use the dining room, but Hermione assumed Harry was pulling out all the stops. She stopped dead in her tracks, Harry's hand resting on her lower back when she saw what he'd prepared.

"Harry," she chuckled with awed surprise. "It's literally all my favorite foods," she said with a wide smile, looking up at him. "How the hell did you remember all of this?"

Harry smiled back. "I have been your best friend for almost fifteen years. Do you think I haven't been listening?"

"Well..." Hermione said, indicating that was exactly what she thought.

Harry rolled his eyes and led her to a chair before sitting at the one right next to her. "Look, I did a great job to pretending not to listen because Ron was usually a prat about it. Did you know when we were kids, Ron used to say that I had a crush on you because I stuck up for you with him? That was even before I realized I thought of you as more than a friend."

"No, I didn't know that," Hermione said, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Well, thank you for that," she finally said. "And I apologize for misjudging you," she added with a smile.

"Just don't let it happen again," Harry joked before handing her a plate. "Now, dig in. I'd rather you be fed before we get to the heavy part of the date."

"You know me so well," Hermione quipped.

"Yes, I do," Harry said seriously. But lightened the mood by giving her a goofy grin and piling his own plate with food. "So, how has the time off been?" he asked, keeping conversation light.

"It hasn't been much of a vacation," Hermione said. "I've been almost as busy as I am at work. If I'm being honest, I'll be glad when this is over. It's emotionally draining."

Harry frowned slightly at that. "Well, it will be soon enough. Then, no matter what happens, everything will go back to normal," he said, and Hermione smiled at him.

They discussed work, and Teddy, and all sorts of the usual topics while they ate. Hermione noticed, Kreacher must have put a little extra love in the cooking because the food was amazing. She even caught herself moaning around a forkful of macaroni and cheese. The moan elicited a quieter groan in Harry, and Hermione wondered if he'd always sent her these kind of sexual signals, but she just never noticed them.

When lunch was finished, Harry took Hermione's hand again and led her into the main sitting room, inviting her to sit next to him on the couch. She did, and snuggled into the cushions next to him.

"What do you say we talk about the elephant in the room now," Harry said. He seemed to be nervous again, and she noticed him picking up a leather bound book from the coffee table and handed it to her.

"What's this?" Hermione asked, running her fingers over the soft cover.

"I want you to know that this isn't just some 'hero' thing for me. I know you think I have some sort of 'savior complex', but this isn't about that. I didn't bid on you because I want to save you from the clutches of a mess of Slytherins," he smiled awkwardly. "I bid because I've wanted this for a while."

He pointed at the book and she flipped to the page that was marked.

'May 5, 1996

I know Ron has been trying to find a way to ask Hermione out for the whole year. Even that debacle with Lavender Brown was some misguided attempt to get her to notice him. Is he a fool? Hermione only has eyes for Ron anyway. Their screaming match at the Yule Ball two years ago was proof enough of that.

But how do I stop these feelings I have for her? She's like the sunshine to me. My day is never complete until I talk to her. She smells like honey and roses, and I can't believe I'm thinking these things about Hermione Granger. But how can I not? She's my whole world. I'd even forfeit Ron's friendship if it meant I'd get the chance to try to make a relationship work with her. But I know she wants him.

It's silly to think about. Sometimes I envision life after Voldemort is gone. What if she could return my feelings? Would we get married? Would we have a family? Would we find that it was too weird and our friendship was more important? I don't know. I fear I'll never know.'

Hermione finished the journal entry and her breath caught. "This is from 6th year," she said, stating the obvious.

"Yes," Harry said.

"But you started dating Ginny like right after you wrote this," she said, indicating the page in the book.

"I know," Harry said. "What I did to Ginny was inexcusable. But in my defense, I did think I wanted to be with her too. I was very confused. I thought my feelings for you were more to do with how close we were as friends and tried to push them away. I've got one more for you to read, if you are willing."

Hermione nodded mutely and let him turn several pages ahead.

'December 23, 1997

It's not fleeting, and her cries break my heart. Ron left. Somehow I always knew he would. As much as I'm angry with him, I can't blame him. I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know where to go, or how to destroy these blasted things.

But Hermione stayed. Regardless of the fact they've been flirting with each other, and holding hands every moment when they think I'm not watching, she stayed with me. She didn't take the easy route or follow the love of her life. She stayed to help me, and I think I'm in love with her.

But she cries all the time. She misses him, and I can't be him. I can't be what she wants me to be, but Merlin I wish I could.

I have vivid dreams of pulling her close and drying those tears with passionate kisses and words of love. But she wouldn't want that. She wants Ron. And he's gone.

Of course these thoughts make me feel guilty. I'm with Ginny, even if we broke it off for the time being. She's really sweet, and she cares about me, but I can't help but always compare her to the woman lying next to me in this old dirty tent. Why can't this be simpler? Why does my heart have to want something my brain knows isn't possible?'

Hermione wiped a few stray tears from her eyes before putting the book back down on the coffee table and turning toward Harry. "I can't believe you felt that way, and I never figured it out."

"Well, you were a little busy crying over Ron at the time," Harry laughed, but it came out like a pained bark more than anything.

"You idiot!" Hermione said, suddenly angry for an unknown reason. "I wasn't crying over Ron. I was so angry with Ron at that point he could have fallen off a cliff and I wouldn't have cared. I was crying for you! You were so lost and then he just left you. I couldn't help it. I was being particularly emotional, and homesick, and I was crying because of how sad it was for you that you had to complete this task and your own best friend couldn't stand by you."

She seemed to calm slightly, and Harry looked at her astounded for a moment. "Well, I think it's safe to say we may have both misconstrued certain situations," he finally said. There was no use rehashing the past and the wasted time.

"Harry, I have to be honest with you. Of all the guys in this, you scare me the most," she said, looking up into his deep green eyes.

"I'd never hurt you, Hermione. You know that," Harry promised.

"That's not what I'm talking about," Hermione said shaking her head. "You are my best friend. You are the one thing in my life that I count on. If something ever happened to you, I'd be lost. I know the whole world thinks that you depend on me. Maybe you do in some ways. But I depend on you, too. I always have," she explained. "If we went down this road, it would change things."

"I already told you, I won't let it affect our friendship." Harry interrupted.

"I know what you said," Hermione said. "And I believe that if I didn't pick you, after a while you would be able to get over it. But if I did pick you, I assume you want more than sex," Hermione said.

"You know I do," Harry said earnestly.

"So, we'd start a relationship. One that both of us have dreamed about for years. That puts a lot of pressure on both of us. But let's say it's all worth it. Things are perfect. We have great sex, and wonderful conversations, and we have it all," Hermione continued. "What happens if it doesn't last? Sexual relationships are different than friendship ones. When we involve feelings, we change the dynamic of the relationship. If it doesn't work out, I just don't understand how we can go back to friends, and I cannot live in a world where you are not my best friend," she finished.

"I'm not going to tell you that it's impossible that what you say is true. It could end up like that, but I really don't think it will," Harry said. "As important as my friendship is to you, you're ten times more important to me. I hesitated about this decision before I sent off my letter for this very reason," he explained. "In the end, I decided that after everything we've been through, I'm not going to be afraid of my feelings. And I can promise you this," he said, pulling her to look him directly in the eyes, "it might take a mourning period, but I will not give up on our friendship."

"I wish I could be sure," Hermione said, with a sigh.

"Please, Hermione," Harry said, wrapping his hands around her upper arms and pulling her closer. Their faces were inches apart. "Please just give me a chance."

"I'm scared," Hermione breathed, knowing she could be honest with Harry. His closeness was taking over her senses, and the familiar smell of him was enough to make her give in.

"I won't let you get hurt," Harry said, his lips ghosting over hers for a moment before he finally stopped, pressing a gentle kiss onto her mouth.

"Harry," Hermione moaned against his mouth. Kissing him was so much better than she expected. Wrapping her arms around his broad shoulders, she pulled him closer and deepened to kiss.

"Merlin, Hermione, I've wanted this for so long," Harry breathed between passionate kisses. His hands traveled down her sides, and she found herself frustrated that she couldn't get close enough.

"Wait," she said, pulling back slightly before swinging her leg over his lap and straddling his waist. As awkward as she thought it would be to become intimate with Harry, it was proving not too difficult at all. In fact, it felt amazing. His kisses burned a path down the column of her neck and she couldn't help but moan again.

"Kiss me," she panted, pulling him back up to her lips by his unruly hair. He wasted no time, dipping his tongue into her mouth and swirling it around her own. His hands found purchase at the top of her thighs, under the hem of the sundress she was wearing. "Not too fast," she warned, claiming his lips again.

Harry just nodded in response and kissed her for all she was worth. The seven-year wait was completely worth it. He'd never kissed anyone like he was kissing Hermione now. Sure, he'd bedded a few girls, mostly looking for 'One Night with the Chosen One', but these kisses were in a whole different category.

Hermione pulled away slowly, and looked down at Harry's puffy lips and smiled. "We spent far less time on this date talking than the others," she said, snuggling into his chest, as she still sat in his lap.

"Hermione, we've spent fifteen years talking," Harry laughed.

"I suppose you're right. Can I have another?" Hermione asked, smirking at Harry. She couldn't believe how easy this was. He attacked her lips again and she was in heaven.

Three hours they spent kissing. She felt a little guilty about how much more physical time she'd given Harry as opposed to the other guys, but Harry was right. They didn't need to 'get to know' each other. They needed to see if they were sexually compatible. If the kisses and innocent caresses were any indicator, that was a big ol' 'YES'.

When she landed back in her living room, Hermione was still a little dazed. She'd never made-out like that before. Nothing went past kissing, but somehow it was enough for the moment. He was engaging and sexy, and she missed him the minute she left.

Hermione was quickly forced to make her mind coherent, though, when Ginny's Patronus interrupted her musings.

"Are you back yet? I'm coming over," the blue horse said, and Hermione had to laugh at her friend's need to know everything. She'd expected this. They hadn't had a chance to talk that morning before her date with Harry, so she had to catch her up.

A few minutes later, Ginny came barreling into her living room and took her place on the armchair next to Hermione on the couch. "Oh my God, you've been making out! I can tell!" Ginny squealed.

Hermione chuckled and tried to wipe her mouth as if she could get rid of the evidence. "Yes," she admitted finally. "I've made out with all of them, and you know that."

"Yes, but you were making out with Harry Potter. And the world didn't come to an end!" Ginny said.

"Nope, we are all still here," Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Okay, start from the beginning. How was the date with Snape?" Ginny asked.

"It was very romantic," Hermione smiled, remembering the picnic lunch on the beach. She never knew Severus had it in him. "It was just us, and we had a dinner on the beach."

"And the kiss?" Ginny asked. She never cared about the details, she just wanted to get straight to the dirt. She was almost as bad as Rita Skeeter.

"Merlin, Ginny, you're a pervert," Hermione laughed, but she had to admit, having Ginny as a sounding board for her thoughts was helpful. "It was intense. The crush I had on him wasn't just a crush. There's something more there."

"Okay, and then with Harry?" Ginny asked.

"It's so impossible for me to talk about Harry with you," Hermione sighed. "He is your ex-boyfriend. You were in love with him for so long..." Hermione didn't know if she should even mention that Harry'd had feelings for her since before he started dating Ginny. It probably wouldn't go over well.

Ginny just waved her off. "Hermione, I'm so in love with Adrian, I can't see straight. Harry and I are friends and much happier that way. Besides, he admitted to me a year ago that he was sorry for using me to get over you."

Hermione's mouth hung open and she almost choked. "You know about all of this and never said anything?" she screeched.

"It wasn't my place," Ginny defended. "Besides, you were with my brother, and I didn't know you had feelings for Harry."

"You still should have told me," Hermione huffed, "but I guess there's nothing that can be done about it now."

"So, I take it, Harry's the winner?" Ginny said.

Hermione bit her lip, "Well..."

"Merlin, you really don't know who to choose, do you?" Ginny said, almost laughing out loud.

"I have it narrowed..." Hermione said, sighing heavily. "Okay, it's like this," she started, falling back into the cushions of the couch. "Theo is just friend material. I think I knew that from the beginning. Blaise is charming and sexy, but he only wants sex. There isn't anything wrong with that, but I want something more."

"Right, so they are out," Ginny said, mentally keeping track.

Hermione nodded. "Then there is Lucius. He's brilliant, and sexy. I think he'd be a fun and exciting partner, but part of me is always wondering if he's playing a game. Not in the way I worry about Draco. More in the way that, he was married for twenty years, and now he wants to be a playboy. I think he likes me, even cares about me, but I don't think he's ready for what I want."

"Okay, so Lucius is out," Ginny said. Hermione nodded.

"Draco," Hermione started, trying to find the words to explain what she felt about Draco. "He's beautiful, and charming, and so intelligent, and surprising, and he makes me feel like I'm the queen of the world. And I really believe he's telling me the truth. He's carried a torch for me even longer than Harry, and everything with him is exciting and new. I get butterflies in my stomach just thinking about him." Hermione said.

"Sounds like he's the one, then." Ginny said.

"But then there is Severus. He and I are so compatible in lifestyle. We are homebodies who enjoy research, study, and potions. We have sexual chemistry and a mental intimacy that's hard to come by." Hermione explained. "I get butterflies with him too."

"Okay..." Ginny said, "And Harry?"

Hermione sighed. "And then Harry. I love him. He's my best friend. And I'm certainly sexually attracted to him. We are so comfortable with each other, I think a relationship between us could be so easy. On top of that, there's the negative implication if I don't choose him."

"Forget about that," Ginny said. "Would you still be considering him if you weren't afraid that he would run away if you don't choose him."

"Yes," Hermione said. "A big part of me wants to know if this was what was supposed to be all along."

"Then, it sounds like you have some letters to write," Ginny said. "You can let the three losers know they didn't make the cut, and the other three...well, maybe you need to give them each one more date."

"That's brilliant," Hermione said, eyes wide. "Oh Ginny, thank you! One more date, and then I will narrow it down to one."

"I'm here to serve," Ginny said with a goofy grin. "I better get back home, though. Adrian will be home soon."

"Thank you, seriously." Hermione said, hugging her friend close before watching her Floo back home. Hermione decided to take a break from everything before writing her letters and flipped on her TV. Time for some mindless entertainment.