Pairing: HarryHermione

Prompt: 76. Paperback

Word count: 393

Paperback

"Harry, don't come in, I'm getting changed!"

Harry laughed, pushing back the curtains despite Hermione's request. "Oh, come on, Hermione!" he said, "We're married now."

Nevertheless, Hermione still wrapped herself in a towel as her new husband came into the room.

"You're really uncomfortable with it?" he questioned, serious.

"Sorry, Harry," Hermione answered, sounding genuine. "I just…."

"It's okay," Harry said. "I'll just wait for you to get out before I go in again." He closed the bathroom door behind him and returned to the couch where he picked up the paperback book he'd bought cheaply yesterday.

He couldn't read, though. Ever since they'd started dating Hermione had been very self-conscious about him seeing her. He had thought she'd become more comfortable once they were married, but apparently not.

Two years and they hadn't even….

"I'm out now." Hermione appeared behind him and Harry stood.

"Thanks," he said, looking at her closed figure. He put the book aside and went into the bathroom, taking out his comb for his hair. "So, you're ready for dinner?" he called.

"Yes!" Hermione replied.

"Is there anything you need to talk about?"

"How do you find the book, Harry? Oh, what have you done to the cover? This is why I dislike paperbacks!"

Harry stuck his head around the door to see Hermione using her wand to repair an almost invisible bend on one of the corners.

"I meant –"

"Harry."

"I care about you, Hermione. I love you. Please tell me."

Hermione put the book aside and looked at him. There was anguish on her face as she debated with herself over what to do. Eventually, however, she nodded.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, Harry. I just… it's uncomfortable."

"I'll be fine," Harry assured her.

Hermione nodded. "Well, there's a reason I asked you to read that book, Harry," she said.

Harry frowned.

"Just read it, Harry, and then we can discuss it."

That was the end of the conversation after that, leaving Harry to question the book he had played very little attention to.

While Hermione continued to get herself ready for dinner, Harry stared at the cover of Annabel by Kathleen Winter.

When they got back he was going to stay up all night and finish it. He was going to get an answer from her; whether she liked it or not.

This chapter was requested by magical fan18. The plot was also a request. I suggest you Google the book title I listed in there for an explanation. This was my first big challenge.

But I am willing to try things, obviously, so please PM me with anything you might have to throw at me!