Author's Note:
Reviews and Comments: To Cassiopeia Anastasia Black: I'm very happy to know you didn't see that bit coming! It's nice to know I can still drop a few surprises every now and again. I'm excited to see where this story will take me as well. Sometimes it even surprises me when I start writing. It is immensely hard to write every person's reaction to the events unfolding so I am keeping it a bit simpler in that sense. Thank you for appreciating me showing Ginny's struggles. She is stressed and the tabloids are certainly not helping! Yes, what will happen with Sirius and Zee? Stay tuned to find out! 😏 Thank you! To darkhk: Um, I think the letter might be from who you think it is. Thanks for loving Theo and Bas while also being worried about what I will do to them lol. Nice to know you don't entirely trust me haha. Thank you! To scrappy8: Yes, Harry and Ginny are definitely missing each other and feeling the stress of being apart. Thank you! To Read and Fly: Can't Zee heart beat for both of them? I don't know. We'll have to wait and see. Yes, Sirius and Remus will meet soon. Thank you! Hannah and Neville are definitely the less problematic of group lol. Harry and Ginny just need to figure out how to find time for each other among the chaos. Thank you! To A Huge Fan: Yes, it is a rollercoaster of emotions with the heartbeat reveal. Yes, I did do it again with the title drop in the chapter lol. Yes, having to choose between his parents, it's cruel. Theo has been through enough, but some things aren't quite as behind him. Thank you for enjoying the idea of Theo as a mind healer. I think he will be great at it. Yes, there is definitely some steamy Hinny in this chapter. Thank you very much!
To Nightwing2013: Thank you! I was so proud of my Higgins and Harry banter lol. Yes, Rexford Higgins is my original character. He's very kind and he makes a great partner for Harry. Harry is in shock and no, he doesn't personally have to kill Sirius, but McCraight was trying to get Harry to focus on other things. Thank you! It has been a while for the Insomniacs Club so it was time to bring it back. I thought that fit Luna well lol. Jealous Bas is the best, I agree. Theo has no problem encouraging Hinny lol. We will see more of Draco and Astoria, just not yet. Is Theo's rapist seeking absolution? We will see. Thank you very much! To Emma Janet: This is true. If Sirius returns, it will have to be kept somewhat of a secret or if people learn of how he comes back they might try to do it for others. It's dangerous, but we will have to wait and see what happens. I don't think Ginny will regret starting her Quidditch career while still going to school, but I do think she needs to take better care of herself and focus on her own needs. Yes, Theo is studying a bit of soul magic in his studies. Thank you! To The cat with blue eyes: Yes, will Sirius be willing to sacrifice himself for Zee? If that's how it plays out, we will have to see. Thank you!
To EnigmaticEmperor: Thanks for loving my Harry and Higgins moment. Yes, technically, both Sirius and Zee could be brought back, in theory. McCraight is trying to get Harry to understand that things are not his sole responsibility or his fault; Harry needs to trust him. Ginny is very lucky she has such great friends for when Harry can't be around. Draco definitely wasn't being great at being inconspicuous. As to Macmillan sending Theo letters, we will have to wait and see. Thank you! To CrazyWithABook: Thank you! I absolutely love Theo as well. Thank you! To woyn: Thank you! To ITHersey: You think Theo will find himself with a patient who has dealt with sexual abuse? It is possible. Theo isn't ignoring his trauma though. He's been seeing a mind healer for months. Sorry to make you tear up over the Zee bits. Harry is definitely on an emotional rollercoaster and yes, he knows there's a ticking clock as well. Thank you! To Cristina: Thanks for liking Pansy and Greg. They are a peculiar couple and yet I love them. I just love the idea of Greg being such a good dad. A fairytale ending would be nice. I'm glad the bit with Zee took you by surprise and yes, Sorcha broke my heart too. I love showing Ron being such a great friend to Harry and vice versa. Yes, sometimes you are tired and that's all right. Ginny just needs to figure out how to handle her own needs a little better. Ha, Theo does want all of the details. Theo is definitely taking on a big responsibility as a mind healer and of course there will be struggles that he faces, but I think his own trauma will help propel him forward. Thank you very much!
To briana_t: Yes, Zee is alive, but in a coma! Ginny definitely needs to lighten her load. We will see Ron and Hermione soon. Thank you! To c_thru_the_looking_glass: Yes, Zee is alive, but comatose. Harry and Ginny will definitely help relieve some stress in this chapter. I'm excited for Hannah and Neville's shop as well. Hannah deserves some happiness after everything. We will see Ron and Hermione soon. Thank you! To AQuickRead91: Yes, Ginny does need a break. Maybe a party for two? LOL. Thank you! To Ishani Pai: I love keeping you on the edge of your seat! Of course there are reporters writing bullshit about Harry and Ginny because they need to publish something, even if it's incorrect. As to the letters being from Macmillan, we will see. Thank you! To guest111: Sorry to keep you in tears throughout the chapter, but thank you very much! To Mackie919: Yes, Zee is making a comeback (kind of). As to Sirius being willing to sacrifice himself instead of Harry killing him, we will have to se. Ginny is definitely overwhelmed and talking to Theo is what she needs. She does want to tell Harry, but he's under so much of his own stress, she doesn't want to add to it. Luna and Theo are so sweet! And don't worry, Harry and Ginny will definitely get spicy in this chapter! Thank you!
To TatiRena: Scared to hope is understandable lol. Thank you! To Mrs_Norway: Thank you! It will be interesting to see how the problem is solved lol. Thank you! To kyciona: Ha, I don't necessarily like to torture people, but leaving you on the edge with not knowing about Sirius and Zee is merely plot development lol. Theo is definitely a godsend friend and I do think he will be a great mind healer because you're right, he knows how to really listen to people. Thank you! To katelyn453: Thank you very much! To Belle: I'm happy to know that you've been hoping and waiting for this. As to my plans for Sirius, we will have to wait and see. Ginny deserves a much needed break for sure. Neville and Hannah are so cute, thanks for being excited for them. Harry and Higgins really are great partners! I picture Higgins as being that perfect coworker who you just click with immediately. We will catch up with Ron and Hermione soon. Thank you very much! To Sloopyqueen4: I'm excited to see you reading again! Sorry to make you cry so much though! Thank you! To princess144: Thank you very much! I'm so happy you're enjoying the story and love Hinny and Theobas' relationships. Sirius will face Moony and yes, those three evil Death Eaters really do deserve the worst! Thank you!
To Bellmel: I really like writing about Greg and Pansy, more than I expected and I love how many people have grown to love them too. Greg does want to show he's not the same person he was; that he has changed. I think being around Neville and Hannah will be good for him as well. I just love writing Greg as being such a dad. He's so smitten with his boys and wants to be as involved as possible. Ha, I do love Higgins and Harry banter and I think he makes a good point. Someone rescues me from a giant snake? Snogging is the least I'd do lol. Thank you very much! Yes, I know Harry doesn't appreciate my intricate storylines lol, but I'm glad you do. Having McCraight is very important to him and something he desperately needs. I love showing Theo and Ginny's friendship and I think it only shows how much Sebastian understands his man that he doesn't even question his needing to get up and talk to a friend in the middle of the night. It also shows Theo's empathy which will be so important to him as a mind healer. Ginny just needed to talk to a friend and to hear someone tell her it's okay to not do everything. I don't think she has regrets exactly, but it's a lot and she needs to take a moment and breathe. Yes, Sebastian is proud of Ginny lol. Thank you very much!
To charmshield7: Thank you! I'm enjoying writing Harry and Higgins partnership. Yes, it does leave lots up to interpret with the title's name, doesn't it? Thank you! To Nuno Neves: Yes, that sums up the relationship between Pansy/Greg and Hannah/Neville well. They are learning to like each other — sort of lol. Theo and Bas really are the best. Ginny is tired and feeling it. She needs Harry, but he's under his own pressure. Thank you very much! To Gigi87: I do agree that the different dynamics between Pansy and Hannah would be interesting to see in shops side by side. I love writing Greg as such a hands on dad. I just picture this huge muscled guy who looks like he could kill you being the biggest softie when it comes to his kids. I do sassy Harry lol and yes, Higgins finished school in Harry's second year, but remember, Tonks finished at Hogwarts in June and Harry started the following September. Theo would be very proud of Harry's sass and him nonchalantly referring to himself as a sexy saviour lol. As to Borage and Slughorn, I have to keep you on your toes. Was it all planned out by the three bitches? Yes and no. We'll see more of that later, but yes, they know this will break Harry. Harry knows it's a lot and he's going to see Auden more on his own which is good for him. Harry might have forgotten their shag-iversary lol, but in his defence, they didn't have time to celebrate either. The two have been so busy and their missing each other. Theo is such a great friend and he did know exactly what Ginny needed to hear. Him reaching out to Luna was what she needed as well. Thank you for saying that Theo's career choice is so fitting for him. I agree! It won't be easy for him, but he will be able to help children open up and I think his kind heart is a big part of that. Harry totally loves it when Theo calls him lover lol. Thank you very much! As to it being "third times the charm for both Sirius and Zee," that would be what Harry would want. We'll have to see what happens. Thank you!
To ThomasJAvery: Thank you! Theo is a great friend and he knows exactly how to comfort Ginny. Thanks for enjoying the Nevannah scene with Gransy as well. I know, the Sirius and Zee bit is a lot so we'll have to see, who will live and who will die. Thank you very much! To Irina Mckenzie: I appreciate the offer, but I can't help you write a story. You're more than welcome to bring Zee into your story though, just please let people know she comes from my world. Thank you very much for reading! To Ellieoryan7447: Thank you! I do think Goyle is super adorable and shy. He wants to help them with their shop, but doesn't want to impose. Yes, thank you! I love Harry shrugging off his achievements and Higgins being very much like wow! Ha, Higgins was totally willing to drop to his knees if Harry had saved him lol and as to the Parseltongue comment, Harry's good at shrugging things off. Ha, please frame this scene lol. Yes, magic is giving me a bit of leeway with the whole medical bit lol. Please ignore your strict medical knowledge and let me play my mystery. It is good that Harry's in therapy, he needs it. Him blaming himself does make sense, but having Auden there to help him understand it's not no matter what it feels like, is something he really needs to understand. As to Ginny, she is taking on a lot and dealing with the press and the rumours on top of it? Really, she's almost as stressed as Harry. The moment with Theo helped her sort her thoughts and helped her realize what she needed to do. Theo is such a great friend, even if he is a bit TMI lol. Theo's moment of seeing Harry coming out Auden's office was important to me just because I do think Harry still sees mind healing as something he shouldn't be doing and I think having Theo just simply give him that "no judgment" comment was something he needed without him realizing he needed it. Theo of course tells Harry to go shag his girlfriend lol. Theo definitely already sees a spark between Draco and Astoria and ha, the magical vagina was just fun to write in. Happy to have made you laugh. Thank you! To Sets: Thanks for loving the Nevannah and Greg scene so much! It made me smile. Thank you!
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CHAPTER THIRTEEN:
The One With the Rug Burn
After running into Theo outside of McCraight's office, he couldn't stop thinking about what he'd said. He did miss Ginny, more than he could put into words, and lately it seemed like they were two passing ships in the night. Worse off than that, it was as if they were two passing ships over mirror calls. When he did manage to catch her, it was a quick kiss and a few quick words. When they made time to talk over the mirror, they were both falling asleep. He knew that they were both busy; he knew that that was a real thing, but Theo was right — they needed to make time for each other.
A glance at his watch told him that she would be working in the library on her homework and while he hesitated to take more of her time away from her homework, he decided that it was worth it this one time. He needed to see her and Harry was pretty sure that she needed to see him too.
He Apparated to Hogwarts and ignored Filch's glare when he let him inside. Then he headed straight for the library. His Auror robes made him stand out and he heard a few whispers surround him before he made a beeline for the area that Ginny usually studied in. He found her seated at a table with Luna and Colin. He put a finger to his lips when Colin spotted him and he bent down to kiss her cheek.
"Hi."
Ginny's eyes lit up when she saw him and the empty feeling he'd been carrying around suddenly felt full. Theo had been right, she was exactly what he needed.
"Harry!"
She jumped to her feet, throwing herself into his arms and he held her close, burying his nose in her hair.
"Missed you," he murmured, holding her tight.
"I missed you, too," she whispered.
Colin cleared his throat. "I'll just keep your notes safe for you."
Ginny turned to look at Colin. "Thank you."
Then she linked her hand with Harry's and nodded before she let Harry lead her out of the library.
"Where are we going?" she asked, a smile in her voice. "What are you doing here? Did something happen?"
Harry didn't answer her. Instead he just led her to Remus' office, wrote a note on his father's desk that said he was taking Ginny for the night, and then grabbed a pinch of Floo powder and tugged her into the fire with him.
"Clevedon Court."
The two of them whirled into the green flames and tripped when they landed in the front entrance way. They were both laughing as they caught each other, preventing the other from toppling over.
"Harry, what's going on?" Ginny asked.
Harry shook his head, cupping her face in his hands and bringing her mouth to his. "I've just missed you. So much. I miss everything about you, Ginny." He brushed his thumbs under her eyes. "You look tired."
"I am tired," she admitted, snuggling herself into his embrace. "Mmm, your arms make me feel less tired."
The two of them just stood there, holding each other for the longest moment before they finally stepped out of their shoes and moved away from the fireplace in the entrance hall. He pulled her into the living room and down on the sofa. They held each other again, neither of them speaking in the comfortable silence, Ginny settled sideways on his lap, her head resting against his chest as he cradled her close. After what could have been minutes or possibly hours, she lifted her head and touched her lips to his.
The kiss was soft and slow, neither of them doing more than basking in being with each other for every precious moment. Ginny turned in his lap. She straddled him on the sofa as Harry slid his hands up her back to play with the long braid of her hair.
Lips scraped and brushed. Soft kisses turned heated as they nipped and stroked, tongues clashing desperately. Ginny fingers shoved at his Auror robe, pushing it off of his shoulders as she ground herself against him. Harry nibbled down the column of her throat, his own fingers shoving at her Hogwarts robe before their lips crashed together again as if they couldn't bear to not be touching.
Harry groaned against her mouth as her knees dug into the cushions of the sofa on either side of him. Her hips moved in a steady rhythm against him, pressing down on his rapidly growing erection and making him see stars. She pulled at his tie, ripping it apart as he began to unbutton his waistcoat. She tore through the buttons of his shirt beneath the waistcoat and shoved it off. Harry reluctantly pulled his hands away from her to shove off his clothes and Ginny's hand immediately slid over his naked chest, gripping the suspenders still somehow locked into place with her other hand.
"Gin…" he said almost reverently, his voice coming out in a breathy moan.
Her fingernails traced his nipples and he pulled at her own Gryffindor tie, trying to get her shirt off. He flung it behind them, dropping his mouth down to kiss the swells of her breasts and she pushed down, grinding herself more firmly against him and he bit his lip to bite back the groan.
"Bloody hell, if you keep that up I'm going to come just like this."
"I don't see the problem," she panted, pressing her mouth to the pulse in his throat.
Harry forced himself to stand, holding Ginny with him, tearing at her skirt and pulling it down her body. Her stockings came next, followed by her garter and Ginny was working on unbuttoning his trousers as he took three more steps and then crashed them both down to the living room floor.
Ginny laughed, crashing her lips to his again as she pushed his suspenders off of his shoulders and shoved at his trousers. "Are we stopping here then?"
Instead of responding, his fingers tugged at her bra. He ripped it in two and she gasped.
"Harry!"
"I couldn't wait," he murmured, capturing a nipple in his mouth and making her head fall back in ecstasy.
He kicked off his trousers, one sock coming with them. He tried to reach for the second sock without moving from her nipple, but it only resulted in him falling over and she laughed.
"Shush!" he hissed, lifting his eyebrow at her.
Ginny sat up, her eyes still twinkling in laughter as she reached down to pull his sock off, flinging it across the room. Then she shoved him backwards onto the large area rug, her hands sliding up his calves. She bit her bottom lip as her fingers teased the soft dark hairs of his leg, up his thighs and up to the waistband of his black boxer briefs. The tip of him was sticking out the top as if trying to escape and leaving a wet trail over his hard belly. Ginny licked her lips and then lowered her head, pressing hot, open mouthed kisses over the wet spot on the cotton and he swore.
She chuckled, palming him through the material. "You're leaking."
"Because you're bloody torturing me," he moaned, reaching forward to grab her tits.
Ginny moved out of his reach, rocking back onto her knees. Then she slid her fingers into the slit of his underwear and pulled him out. His cock slapped back against his stomach, hard and ready. She made a 'mmm' sound and traced her nails over each vein, teasing him. She traced her way up his shaft until she reached the hood, dipping her finger in before she followed the trail with her lips. Her other hand stroked his balls, rolling them in her palm, kneading them as he squirmed until she sucked the tip of him into her mouth.
"Oh, fuck," Harry groaned, his head falling back onto the rug.
Ginny pulled her mouth off with a loud pop and licked her lips. "I need you, Harry."
He sat up, grasping her head and slamming his mouth against hers. They kissed hard and desperate as Ginny slid up to straddle him, yanking his boxer briefs down his thighs. The two of them kept kissing as they shifted so that Harry could kick them off, rolling across the area rug as they did. Ginny kicked them away and pushed him back onto his back, taking control as her knees rubbed against the carpet sharp enough to burn. She took no notice of the burn; she was too distracted by his hot mouth. Too distracted by the big hands roaming over her tits. Too distracted by the rock hard length pulsing against her. She pushed down, rubbing herself against his length to try to find relief and Harry bit her lip hard enough to draw blood.
She only kissed him more briskly.
He gripped the lace of her knickers and she heard them tear. Strips of fabric flew behind her head and suddenly they were finally skin to skin. Ginny ground herself against him, desperately seeking friction and his tongue tangled with hers, fingers pulling on her nipples. A hand slid down her stomach and those long talented fingers brushed through her folds.
"Bloody hell," he murmured against her mouth. "You're fucking soaking, Gin."
"All for you," she gasped, pushing his hand away.
Then she was rising over him, shoving him back flat on the rug and impaling herself on him. They both gasped at the shock of it. Ginny's head fell back, her hands flat on his abs as she let out a strangled breath at the burn. Merlin, it had been ages since they'd had any time together and the sheer size of him was almost overwhelming. She bit her lip as she tried to catch her breath and Harry reached a hand up to cup her face.
"All right?"
Ginny nodded. It did hurt a little, but that pain was already dimming and she knew that if she told him, he'd try to stop. They definitely needed to have regular sex to prevent that, she thought. He brushed his thumb over her clit, his eyes on hers and she began to ride him, pleasure shooting through her as his cock brushed every nerve ending inside of her.
"Mmm, yes," she gasped. "Oooh, yes!"
Harry held her hips with one hand, the other working her clit as she rode him. Each time she pushed down to take him deeper, he met her with a thrust and she gasped.
"Fuck, you feel amazing," he moaned. "So bloody good, Gin!"
"So good," she agreed, holding one hand flat on his abs as she rode him harder, her breasts bouncing each time she impaled herself on him. "Merlin, you feel so good. Deeper," she moaned. "Deeper!"
He grunted and flipped them, making her gasp. His foot kicked the table, knocking it over and out of the way with a crash that they both ignored. He pulled her onto all fours, pulling her arse up against him as he slammed back home, making them both groan. Ginny made a strangled sound of ecstasy that had him working her faster. He worked her nipples with one hand, bringing them to tight peaks as his other rubbed her clit, matching the rhythm of his thrusts. His knees dug into the rug as he tried to keep his balance, slamming in and out of her harder and deeper.
"There!" Ginny screamed. "Oh, there! Right there! Don't stop! Don't stop!"
He had no plans of ever stopping.
Each thrust felt more amazing than the next. His glasses slid down his sweaty nose and he pushed them against Ginny's back to keep them on his face, licking sweat from her skin as he did. The house was silent except for their erratic breathing and groans. He could hear the slap of his balls against her skin each time as they tightened, his cock sliding in and out of her in a loud squelching sound that somehow only made him more randy. He pressed kisses against her back, his thumb working her clit faster and faster and she exploded.
Her shout of pleasure rocked through him as he tried to make it last longer, but when she pushed back against him, clenching him as she fell apart, he lost it. He yelled her name in a half shout half grunt and came — hard. They rocked against each other, wringing out the last dregs of each other's orgasms before Harry collapsed onto the rug, tugging her with him.
Ginny's heart was pounding as she slid her sweaty hand over his damp chest. "Mmm, I really bloody needed that."
"Me too. So bloody much," he agreed, wrapping his arms around her.
They stayed wrapped together, heavy breaths and pounding hearts until finally Ginny lifted her head, a soft smile on her lips.
"Was this your plan, Mr Potter? To seduce me in the living room?"
"Nope," he said. "Definitely wasn't. In the bedroom, yes, but I have no regrets."
She chuckled and licked his nipple. "Me neither. I feel boneless."
"Mmhm."
Ginny licked his nipple again. "No sleeping."
"Not, just resting my eyes," he murmured.
Ginny pinched his nipple and he yelped. "I'm not done with you yet."
His green eyes sparkled in the low light of the fire. "Oh, really, Miss Weasley? Going to use me again, are you?"
She bent her head, sucking the nipple into her mouth and he moaned. "Terribly." She kissed his chest, his collarbone, his throat. Then she brushed her lips over his with a sweet smile. "Now that I've ridden your cock, I want to ride your face."
Harry's cock gave a gallant twitch as he licked his lips. "I very much like that idea."
Ginny pulled his glasses off, reaching to place them on the coffee table before she blinked. "Erm… when did the table flip over?"
Harry looked over at the table crashed over onto its side and blinked. "Um… dunno?"
They grinned at each other and then both started to laugh. Ginny wasn't sure how long they laughed, but when she finally caught her breath, she couldn't stop smiling.
"Are we out of control?"
"A little," he admitted, lifting his head to suck on her nipple. "Don't care though. I want you to sit on my face so I can taste you."
Ginny's face heated, but she nodded, putting his glasses on top of her head before she straddled his face. "Are you ready for me?"
Harry slid his hands up her arse, cupping her bottom with both palms. "Eating you out is my favourite pastime, Gin. Gimme."
Then his tongue swept up into her and they both groaned.
Ginny had to admit, sitting over him like this made her feel more powerful than she could express. He held her in place, his hands tight as if worried she would try to escape the incredible feel of that long, slick tongue sluicing through her; twirling and licking and flicking in ways designed to drive her mad. She felt it building all over again and the more he licked, the more her thighs clenched as his stubble beard rubbed against her in the most delicious way imaginable. It hardly took her any time at all to feel the pressure building.
"I'm close," she gasped, her fingers slipping into his hair as she leaned forward a bit.
Harry's tongue worked faster, his fingers digging into her arse hard enough to leave impressions and she tugged on his hair, her hips grinding over him desperately. He moaned against her, sucking her clit just the way she liked it and she yanked harder on his hair as she came, screaming his name.
They were both gasping as she fell onto the rug next to him, his glasses sliding down her face. Harry turned on his side, resting his head on his propped up hand and licked his lips. His stubble beard was wet and she pushed his glasses back up on top of her head before she reached out to touch his face.
"You're a mess."
He grinned. "So not complaining."
She laughed and turned on her side as well, making her wince.
Harry frowned. "You all right?"
"Mmhmm, but moving just told me that I have some serious rug burn on my knees and my back."
Harry nodded. "Not going to lie, you rubbed my arse raw against this rug earlier when you were riding me."
"Oh, poor baby," she teased, pushing him over to see.
His toned, muscled arse was a bit red as were patches of his back, his elbows, and his knees. As hers were very much the same, she sympathized. She kissed his arse.
"All better?"
"Mmm, not sure, better do it again."
She slapped his arse instead and he yelped. Then she leaned in to spoon him, snuggling against his back. "I need a nap now and some water. Merlin, I'm thirsty."
"Me too," he admitted.
They stayed snuggled like that for a few moments longer before they reluctantly climbed to their feet. Ginny stood on her toes to kiss him, one hand sliding between them to stroke his semi-hard erection.
"Water?" he asked.
"Yes. Lead on, Auror Potter."
Harry kissed her again and then grabbed his glasses from her head. Once he could see where he was going, he took her hand in his. They walked naked to the kitchen for water, each drinking a tall glass of the ice cold liquid. Harry splashed water on his face and she smirked. It really shouldn't be such a turn on to see his face shiny from her, but it seriously was. Ginny poured herself a second glass, sipping it slower this time as Harry watched her, leaning back against the counter.
His hair was an absolute mess from her hands, sticking up in every which direction in a way that was obvious her hands had been in it. His mouth was swollen from hers and his lithe muscles gleamed in a light sheen of sweat. Working as an Auror had only toned him more than ever and as her eyes dropped to his abs and lower to the big, thick cock perking up, she licked her lips.
It shouldn't be possible for her to still want him, but it seemed like she always wanted him. Her body felt well used and the rug burn certainly didn't help, but one look at him naked and gorgeous and she wanted him to use her again and again and again.
"If you keep looking at me like that, we're not going to make it to the bedroom," he warned.
Ginny's lips curved. "I certainly think that we made an impression on the living room rug."
Harry snorted. "And then some."
They finished their water and Harry took her hand.
"Come on, let's go clean up. You need to sleep and I want to hold you."
"And this?" she asked, teasing her hand between his legs.
His lust-filled gaze met hers. "Oh, you can take care of that in the shower."
Ginny chuckled and let him lead her to the stairs. She started to walk up them in front of him before she turned to give him a look over her shoulder. As much as she wanted to sleep, she had other plans for her boyfriend. He noticed her gaze because his eyes darkened.
Harry knew exactly what that look was. The lust in her eyes was more than enough to set him on edge. Fuck, he'd been half hard since she'd ridden his face and the sight of that gorgeous naked heart-shaped arse with patches of freckles on her thighs, her cheeks burned red from the rug as it swayed before him was enough to already have him grating his teeth. The look in her eyes halfway up the stairs was pure lust and he didn't wait.
He tugged her back against him. She was two steps ahead of him so when he spun her around, his mouth fit perfectly over her swollen clit and she cried out.
"Right here," he gasped, lying them both down half on the stairs. "Right bloody here."
Ginny squirmed under his mouth and when he licked her again, her head knocked back against a step with a sharp slap. She murmured ouch which made Harry look up, licking her lips. Before he could ask her if he wanted her to stop, she pushed him off and she rolled over onto her knees, wiggling her arse back at him. Harry didn't need any more encouragement. In one quick motion he was sheathed deep inside of her and they both groaned.
Ginny clutched the edge of the stair in front of her, trying to keep herself balanced while Harry held one of her hips and the railing, slamming in and out of her in deep quick thrusts that sent her nerve endings screaming. Each time his balls slapped against her, she pushed back harder, both of them grunting and gasping for more.
The orgasm hit her quickly, surprising her. She clenched around him and he groaned before he pulled out and stood up, yanking her to her feet. She grunted in surprise when he picked her up, slamming her against the wall of the staircase hard enough to bruise and ordered her to wrap her legs around him. He slid back into her with ease, holding the wall for support as Ginny bounced up and down on his cock, her breasts heaving.
Fuck, Harry thought, keeping his balance in this position was precarious at best. Part of him knew that they should move before either one of them lost control and they tumbled down the stairs in a mess of limbs, but there was no way that he could fucking stop. Being inside of Ginny was absolute heaven. She was hot and wet and pulsing around him, clenching his cock like she was born to and it felt too bloody good for him to think about sense. He dug his nails into the wall as Ginny's toes dug into his arse as he worked his hips to fill her again and again and again. He was so close he could feel it, teasing just out of his reach.
Ginny's mouth sucked on the pulse point in his throat, her hands sliding down his slick back to clutch his arse, fingers teasing the cleft. Then she pulled one hand away and pushed her finger into his mouth. He sucked it, his eyes on hers as he continued to pound into her.
"I'm close," he gasped as her finger slid out of his mouth.
Ginny kissed his nose. "You're about to be closer."
Then she slid that slick finger between his cheeks and pushed. He gasped in surprise at the queer feeling as Ginny had never pushed a whole finger inside of him before. It burned a bit, but she twitched and curled it and then suddenly his entire body lit up from the inside out. He came like a firehose, unable to control the orgasm that ripped through him in thick waves. He grunted and swore, his hips freezing as he pushed forward as deep as he could go and groaned into her neck.
Ginny kept moving her finger while he emptied himself and when he finally finished, she slid her finger out of his arse and he gasped.
"Bloody buggering hell, what the fuck was that?"
Ginny looked more smug than he'd ever seen her as her eyes danced in amusement. "I think that was your prostate."
He grunted again, his legs shaky as he lowered her back to the stairs. They both grabbed the wall as they almost fell and they half crawled half stumbled up the rest of the stairs until they reached the landing of the first floor. Then they stayed there, limbs tangled until they caught their breath.
Harry ran his hand through his damp hair and then traced her bottom lip with his finger. "I fucking love you."
Ginny smiled, brown eyes lit up in a way that made him want to pull her close and never let her go. "I know."
"We're never going to make it to the bedroom at this rate."
She chuckled. "I think our wands are still downstairs."
"Too far," he groaned. "We're lucky we didn't break our necks on the stairs."
"I'm going to be bruised tomorrow. Sex on stairs is really not practical."
"So not practical," he agreed.
"My knees are burning from the rug."
"My arse and knees are rubbed raw."
"Same."
They grinned at each other and burst into laughter.
Harry leaned in to kiss her softly. "We're really lucky Ron and Hermione aren't here right now."
"And that the house elves made themselves scarce."
"Oh, fuck! I forgot all about Kreacher and Basil! Do you think they saw anything?"
Ginny traced the faded scar down his cheek. "I'm sure the sounds alone kept them away. You're kind of loud, you know?"
"I'm loud? Please, you're the screamer."
"Well, that's only because I was riding your mouth."
"Yeah you were," he said, his eyes darkening. "I love it when you use my mouth. Use it more often. All the time. Do it again right now."
She blushed. "Later. I'm too tired right now."
Harry wiggled his eyebrows. "I'm going to hold you to that, Gin, but while I wait, let's go back to this whole finger up my arse thing."
She shrugged, her fingertips continuing to trace his face and down his throat. "Did you like it?"
"I think considering how fast I came you know the answer to that," he said, his face heating. "I mean, like I remember reading about the prostate, but I've never really… fuck, Ginny. You've teased me enough, but this…"
She grinned. "I was nervous to try it. I didn't know if…"
He leaned in and kissed her forehead. "I love everything you do to me."
Their lips met for a soft kiss that lingered as they stayed there, curled on the floor with their limbs tangled until their damp skin made them shiver. Harry tugged her to her feet and they slowly headed towards the master bedroom, stopping to share soft kisses along the way.
When the bedroom door finally closed behind them, Ginny pulled him into the master bathroom and turned on the shower. They basked in the hot water, holding each other close as they kissed, taking their time washing each other in teasing touches. More kisses followed over each other's shoulders, sucking on pulse points until the water chilled and they stepped out. Harry rubbed lotion into her skin, getting every inch of her before she did the same to him, smiling as she softened his stubble beard.
They kissed again and then cleaned their teeth and padded naked into the bedroom. Harry watched her pull back the blankets and climb into the big soft bed before he crawled after her, covering her body with his.
He was tired. The hot shower had only reminded him how much, but the feel of her in his arms, the taste of her on his lips, only further prompted him to how much he missed her. The soft kisses continued and when he slid into her slick heat, they both groaned.
It was slow this time, achingly slow.
Harry held her hands over her head, pinning them to the pillow as he sucked on her breasts, pumping in and out of her in a slow and steady pace. Each thrust was punctuated by a soft roll of his hips, dragging pleasure from her with every stroke while his tongue laved at her nipples. Her orgasm built slowly and when she came, he followed seconds later, both of them clinging to each other in the soft sheets.
His face crashed between her breasts, shifting just enough to not squish her and they were both asleep in moments, wrapped in each other's arms.
~ TTTC ~
The pull of pleasure woke him. He could feel the tightening in his balls as something wet and soft rolled over them. He opened his eyes slowly, blinking in the darkness of the room just as his cock was engulfed in wet heat.
Harry let out a soft gasp, lifting the covers up to cup his girlfriend's cheek. "Mmm, fuck yeah… best wake up ever."
Ginny let him go, kissing her way up his length. "Shush. The charm goes off in ten minutes and I have to go."
He started to protest the idea of her leaving, but her mouth covered him again and his eyes rolled. Her hand kneaded his balls while the other pumped his length in and out of her mouth. By the time her tongue dipped into him, teasing his crown just the way he liked it, he was halfway there. She took more of him into her throat, gagging before she caught herself and he groaned.
His girlfriend had fucking mastered the art of the blow job and she knew it. In no time at all he was coming down her throat, fingers digging into the sheets as he grunted. Ginny swallowed every drop and then licked him clean before she kissed her way up his chest. She pressed her lips to his and the taste of him on her tongue had him lingering on her lips.
"I love you," he whispered.
Ginny kissed the tip of his nose as the charm that worked as an alarm began to jingle. "I love you, too."
She kissed him once more and then crawled out of bed. "I have to get to practice. I need to borrow some clothes."
He groaned and rolled onto his stomach. "I'm off today. Stay."
"You know I can't," Ginny said, opening the wardrobe and grabbing a pair of sweats. She tugged them on, rolling up the legs so that they fit better. "I have to grab my workout kit and meet the team for hot yoga and then practice. We have a match against the Kestrals this afternoon."
Harry watched her grab one of his hoodies, pulling it over her head. "You're not wearing any knickers."
Ginny leaned over the bed to kiss him. "That's because some tosser ripped them in half last night and threw them around the living room like rubbish."
"Hmm, definitely a tosser. Must have really wanted a taste of you."
She smirked, grabbing a pair of his socks and rolling them on. "Will you be at the match?"
"Wouldn't miss it," he promised.
When she stood again she winced and he frowned, squinting at her. "Are you sore?"
"Yes," she admitted. "And I have rug burn in places that no one should ever have rug burn."
"You going to be all right to ride your broom?"
"I'm made of sterner stuff then that, Mr Potter. See you later."
She blew him a kiss and sauntered off, leaving him alone in the pre-dawn light.
Harry snuggled back into the pillow under his arms, his whole body sated and relaxed in a way that only really great sex could make him and he drifted back to sleep, a soft smile on his face.
He woke an hour later, his stomach rumbling. He pulled on a pair of sleep pants and headed down to the kitchen to find some breakfast. He grabbed a quick oatmeal bar and then hurried upstairs to change into some workout clothes. After a quick run, he returned to find Kreacher had made him breakfast. Harry thanked the elf and ate before heading upstairs to shower.
When he returned to his room, he blushed at the sight of his uniform and Ginny's both freshly washed and folded on his bed. He definitely had Kreacher to thank for that and he was suddenly embarrassed to have left their clothes all over the living room. He was very grateful the elf hadn't said anything on the subject, but he had a feeling that he was still going to blush whenever he saw Kreacher again.
But one thing was certain, Theo had been right. Shagging Ginny had been exactly what the healer ordered and he had a feeling that his girlfriend very much agreed.
~ TTTC ~
Ginny did agree. She was a bit tender this morning and she definitely had bruises in places that surprised her, but she felt sated, loose, limber, and more rested than she'd felt in ages. Being with Harry just helped centre her and when she arrived at hot yoga that morning, she knew it showed.
"Someone looks like they had a good shag," Wilda Griffiths declared, a huge grin on her face.
Ginny blushed. "I had a good night's sleep."
"Girlie, that glow your sporting says it was more than just sleep," Anastasia Smithwick teased.
"It's not the glow as much as those finger-shaped bruises forming on her arse," Matilda Pan said.
Anastasia laughed. "Orgasms do make you feel all shiny and new."
"Have a good night with a certain handsome Auror?" Belinda Buckingham asked.
Ginny's face burned as she ducked her head. "We've been so busy lately. I missed him and we might have gotten a bit carried away last night."
"When you say carried away, you mean like he shagged you twice in one night?" Gwenog asked, wiggling her eyebrows.
"Four," she whispered as Gwenog's eyes widened to saucers.
"Four! You lucky bitch!"
"Oh, to be young again," Verona Gold groaned. "Four orgasms in one night would probably kill me now, but goddess, what a way to go!"
Gwenog was still staring, eyes wide. "Four times? Blimey, Ginny! You came four times? Your man is dedicated."
"I think she means they shagged four times," Wilda said. "With the rumours I've heard about Potter, I bet she got off more than four times."
Belinda Buckingham scoffed. "Those rumours are ridiculous, Wilda! Potter might have a boatload of stamina because hello, he's young and full of energy, but those other rumours are absolute rubbish!"
"What other rumours?" Matilda asked.
Belinda rolled her eyes. "According to Witch Weekly there are rumours being tossed around that Potter's very, very well endowed."
Gwenog lifted an eyebrow. "Oooh, is that true, Weasley? Is that why you're sore this morning? Ride a little too much wood?"
Ginny made a rude hand gesture and Gwenog laughed.
"Mitchell has nothing to be ashamed of. He's not very long, but so thick he certainly makes an impression. And you can bet your last sickle that the moment he comes, it's no more than two minutes before he's snoring in my ear every bloody time!"
"Typical," Verona said as everyone laughed.
Ginny grabbed her yoga mat, her face still red. "Come on, I need to stretch."
Laughter followed her comment with more teasing about what she needed to stretch and just how sore she was.
"Did you take a real pounding?" Wilda teased.
"Can you walk without limping?" Gwenog asked.
"The real question is, can she ride her broom?" Verona asked.
Ginny blinked at them and licked her lips, her eyes full of mischief. "After what I rode last night, I can ride anything."
Hoots and hollers followed her comment and when Ginny settled on the yoga mat, a sense of contentment washed over her. She was happy. Her team was great and she felt like she was truly making friends. Harry was amazing and the orgasms had definitely helped. Maybe it was what she needed to put everything in perspective, but for the first time in weeks, she felt like she had a clear head.
And that was what she needed most.
~ TTTC ~
Harry carried Mina and Leo in his arms as he weaved his way through the private entrance of St Mungo's. He had used his name for once in his life to make sure that he could access the hospital without being disturbed and he was grateful for it. The last thing he wanted was for reporters to find him here.
Ron and Bill had spoken to their cousin Tiberius who worked in the Potions Department of the hospital. He specialized in potion-based illnesses and potion-related healing and was taking on Zee's case. They wanted someone they could trust to not leak her condition to the journalists. So far, it had worked and the private room, private entrance, and private healers was keeping it all well under wraps.
Having the day off today was exactly what Harry needed. His body was still loose and limber and a tad sore from his sex marathon with his girlfriend, but it was entirely worth it. He'd even caught her before the match and she'd come on his tongue in a supply closet that left both of them grinning like loons. Then Ginny did what she did best and despite being sore, won the match.
It had been a really good day and tonight he was finally bringing Mina and Leo to see Zee. Sorcha was behind him and when they entered the small private room Harry had paid for, they found Colt and Flo sitting on either side of Zee's bed, each holding a hand.
"Mama!" Leo and Mina both cried, trying to jump out of Harry's arms.
Sorcha pursed her lips. "I still don't think bringing them was here was a good idea, Harry."
"Grandmama, we still don't really understand this and she's… in there and maybe the twins can help in some way?"
"But what will it do to them?"
Harry didn't have the answer to that. He just thought seeing Zee would comfort them.
"Mama's sleeping."
"Why?" Mina asked.
"She's tired," Harry said. "But you and Leo can snuggle with her."
"Mama, up!" Leo demanded, putting his small hand on her cheek.
Mina lifted up her hair. "Shhh! Seeping!"
Leo pouted and rested his cheek over Zee's heart, making Harry's own melt. He took the chair that Colt offered, rubbing his hand up and down Leo's back as he took Zee's hand in his other. Flo gave up her seat for Sorcha who ran her hand up and down Mina's back while holding her daughter's other hand.
They'd decided as a family that she wasn't going to be left alone and each were taking time to sit with her daily. Between her great-grandparents, aunt and uncle, and cousins from Scotland plus Harry, Sorcha, Colt, and Flo, she was never left alone. Two Aurors, who Tonks had vetted personally, were guarding her door night and day, but seeing her lying there, stone faced and frozen was unbearable.
It was almost like he'd lost her all over again.
Leo shoved his thumb into his mouth and Harry sighed. It was a habit he'd started after Zee had vanished and he wished that he could do something for them. He barely understood what was going on himself, let alone could explain it to toddlers. But he thought letting them see their mother, even if they couldn't see her properly, was a hint of something they all needed.
"The healer said that there's been no change," Colt told him. "She just lies there."
Harry nodded. "I expected as much, Grandpa."
Colt blinked back tears. "Having her alive… but like this… pardon my French, but it ain't any fucking better than not having her at all."
"Colten!" Flo hissed. "Not in front of the children!"
"I know, Grandpa," Harry said. "But I'm hopeful we can… I don't know. It's all about Uncle Sirius and what's happening there and…"
Flo came to stand behind Harry, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "No one blames you, sweetheart. This is an impossible situation, we all know it. No matter how it plays out, we're all going to be heartbroken. We know that."
"Mama!" Mina exclaimed, pulling on one of Zee's curls.
"Shh!" Leo said, putting his thumb back into his mouth as he snuggled against Zee's breasts.
Harry closed his eyes, holding Zee's hand up to his cheek. He knew that Flo was right. This wasn't an easy situation by any means and it only seemed to get harder every day. He didn't know what the solution was, not entirely.
On one hand, there was the possibility that they could give Sirius back his soul. This was something he needed to figure out how to do. He couldn't let the man who'd raised him die without his soul. He refused to let that happen. He knew that it was a tiny chance, but that small chance that re-souling him could save him brought more joy to him than he could express. While at the same time he knew that if it did save him, he would still have to die in order to save Zee.
He let a tear fall, using Zee's hand to wipe it back and not for the first time wondered how on earth he was going to save one of them and not the other?
~ TTTC ~
Hermione sat on the window seat of her childhood bedroom with a book open in her lap. She hadn't taken in a single word of it in almost ten minutes, watching the snow flakes flutter down outside. It was only when someone touched her shoulder that she jolted and her mother lifted an eyebrow at her.
"I called your name three times, dear," Jean said. "Is everything all right?"
Hermione nodded and pasted on a smile. "Of course! I was just lost in thought."
Jean pursed her lips before she pushed her daughter's legs down and sat on the window seat next to her. "I know that these last six months have been a challenge for us. Most of that is my fault, I admit, as I am still a bit cross with you sending us to Australia and wiping our memories."
"Mum —"
"—Let me finish," Jean interrupted. "As I said, I know this is mostly my fault and it's something I'm working on, but I am your mother. I hate seeing you hurting like you are right now. Talk to me, sweetheart."
Hermione closed her unread book and held it tightly against her chest. "I'm fine, Mum."
Jean watched her for a moment, pursing her lips. "Have you spoken to him?"
"We're taking a break."
"And you have," Jean said. "It's been well over a month, Hermione."
Hermione chewed on her bottom lip and turned to look back out the window. "We're on a break."
Jean stared at her for a moment before she reached out and took Hermione's hand in hers. "Dear, a break means just that, a break. But this… this has gone on long enough."
"What?"
"You heard me," Jean said. "You need to stop moping about and you need to talk to that young man!"
"I need more time."
"It's been well over a month, almost two, how much more time do you need to figure out if you want to be with him our not?" Jean demanded. "Are you going to push him away for good? How long do you expect him to wait for you?"
Hermione opened her mouth to protest this before she promptly closed it again.
"Hermione, I don't know what happened between the two of you and you don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I know that you love him. Ron Weasley has always pulled something in you since the moment you met him. He came to Australia with you and the way he stood up to us when we… I've never seen a young man more in love. Is there someone else?"
"No!"
Jean nodded. "Was there someone else for him?"
"No, Mum, there — it — no!"
Jean sighed and gently patted Hermione's hand between hers. "All right well, whatever it was between you, you need to put it aside and figure things out. The two of you in limbo like this is doing nothing for either of you."
"Don't you think that we're too young to make this kind of commitment to each other?"
Jean's eyes met hers, her expression soft. "Do you love him, dear?"
Hermione swallowed, her bottom lip trembling as she found herself fighting back tears. "Yes."
"Then whatever it is that's eating at you, you'll figure it out."
Hermione shook her head, pulling her hand free from her mother's grasp. "You don't understand! It's not about how much I love him! It's about the fact that I'm too young to be having a baby!"
Jean's eyes widened to saucers, her gaze dropping to her daughter's flat stomach. "Are you —?"
"No," Hermione said before she promptly burst into tears.
Jean stood up and pulled Hermione into her arms. "Hermione, sweetheart, I don't understand."
Hermione didn't understand either and that was the problem. She was nineteen years old and while she knew that she wanted children at some point, she didn't want them yet. She wasn't ready to be a mother at this time in her life and from the moment the panic had set in that she might be pregnant, the fear had been very real and Ron had been perfect. She'd seen the fear in his eyes, but the support had nearly broken her and when it had come out that she wasn't pregnant, the heartbreak had been unbearable.
How could she be mourning a child she'd never even had?
"I thought I was pregnant, Mum," Hermione cried, burying her face in her mother's shoulder. "I was late and I thought that I was pregnant and I panicked and then it was a false alarm and now I… I didn't want to be pregnant, I don't want it, I mean — not yet. But then when I wasn't, I wanted it, and…"
"Shh," Jean soothed, holding her tighter. "Oh, darling, it's all right. I understand."
"But it doesn't make any sense," Hermione sobbed.
"Was Ron… upset?" Jean asked.
"No! No, he was bloody perfect and supportive and I pushed him away!"
Jean kissed her daughter's cheek and moved back to look into Hermione's eyes. "You need to talk to him." She used her thumb to wipe away her tears. "You need to speak with him about your feelings and not push him away. No, listen to me," she insisted when Hermione opened her mouth to protest. "Am I happy that you had a pregnancy scare at nineteen years old? No. I'm not ready to be a grandmother and I thought you were being responsible with safe sex."
"I am! We were!"
"—But sometimes accidents happen," Jean interrupted. "I know this and in this case, it was merely a scare. You've been under a great deal of stress in the last two years and it makes perfect sense that your body is feeling that stress."
Hermione hiccuped and wiped at her face. "I don't know what to do."
"Talking to Ron is a good start."
"I just walked away," she whispered. "I panicked and I walked away and he must hate me."
"It's possible," Jean admitted. "But you won't know until you talk to him."
Hermione knew her that mother was right. She knew that she had to talk to Ron and she knew that she was the one who had to take the step. It was she that had insisted on the break after all and Ron had attempted to speak with her three times in the first two weeks and she'd refused to see him. No, she would have to make the move, but she was terrified that when she did, he would tell her the break had been for the best.
Why would Ron want a woman who tossed him aside so easily?
Why would he want to take her back after the way she'd treated him?
Jean pulled her close for another hug and kissed her cheek. "Why don't you go have a nice hot bath and I'll bring you a cuppa? Then you can go to the Burrow to talk to Ron."
"What if he won't see me, Mum?"
Jean patted her daughter's cheek. "It's a risk that you're going to have to take, dear."
Hermione watched her mother leave the room and she turned to look at the flurries outside once more and wondered if it was a risk she was brave enough to take.
~ TTTC ~
Being back at the Burrow was both a blessing and a curse in Ron's opinion. It was just him and Molly which was a nice change of pace because for once in his life he had his mother's full attention.
However, he also had his mother's full attention and it was grating on his nerves.
Sure, she cooked him full course meals and packed his lunch every day for work which was amazing. Plus, he didn't have to do his own laundry because he was a busy Auror and Molly had the time (she'd insisted), but it also meant that he was asked a million and one questions every day about Hermione, about Harry, about the case with Sirius and Zee, and about everything he didn't want to answer.
He especially didn't want to talk about Hermione.
Watching her walk away from him had hurt more than he was willing to admit and watching her shut him down every time he even attempted to talk to her since had been even worse.
"How long is the break for?" Bill demanded when Ron had went by Shell Cottage to share a beer with his brother two weeks after it had happened.
"She didn't say; only that she needed a break."
"Have you reached out?"
"Yes!" Ron insisted, his blue eyes flashing. "I caught her leaving work the other day and she wouldn't even look at me. I sent her a letter asking if we could meet for a drink and she never responded."
Bill took a drink of his beer. "Bloody hell."
"Don't say that," Ron begged. "Fuck!"
Bill leaned back in his chair. "She needs time, Ron. Let her have it. What brought it on? Did you do something?"
"No!" Ron insisted. "Why do you think I did something?"
At Bill's look, he rolled his eyes.
"Look, there… she thought she was pregnant, all right?"
Bill's eyes widened. "What?"
"It was a false alarm," Ron continued. "Like we found out the same day, but there has to be more to it. I just… I wish she'd talk to me."
"Bloody hell, Ron! I made sure you knew the bleeding contraception charm!"
"And we've used it," Ron insisted. "But she's on the potion too and bloody fuck, she wasn't even pregnant!"
Now they were over halfway through February and none of his brothers had any advice for him.
George had insisted that he needed to do something to make her laugh to get her attention on him. Fred suggested that he send her a Weasleys Wizard Wheezes fireworks display, but Bill had quickly vetoed that. Bill told Ron he needed to reach out again and he'd tried only to be denied. Percy told him that he should just cut his losses and Audrey had elbowed her fiancé in the stomach in response. When he spoke to Charlie on the mirror, Charlie had shrugged.
"This is why I don't bother with relationships. Too much bleeding work."
"Thanks for nothing," Ron muttered.
Charlie grinned. "Seduce her."
"What?"
"Go find her and seduce her," Charlie repeated. "No one can resist the Weasley charm."
"That's not a terrible idea," Bill admitted. "Of course, if she won't give him the time of day, how is he supposed to seduce her?"
Charlie shrugged. "That's for him to figure out."
None of it made him feel any better.
Talking to Harry had been even harder.
"I don't get it, mate," Harry told him. "How long are you two going to not talk?"
"I don't know."
Harry frowned. "Are you ever going to come back to the house?"
Ron hesitated. He wanted to move back to Clevedon Court with Harry; he really did. It was just being there in the bedroom suite he'd given them… it still felt like her. Ron couldn't be there alone knowing they'd shared the space together.
"I can't, mate. I just… I can't."
"What happened?"
He hadn't wanted to tell his best mate, but after almost three weeks of no communication from Hermione, he finally broke. When he told Harry about the pregnancy scare and how Hermione had flipped out and then told him they needed a break, Harry stared at him with his mouth wide open.
"Why didn't you tell me? Bloody hell, Ron, that's not… I'm sorry. I should have been paying more attention."
"You have so much going on, I didn't want to burden you even more with me and Hermione we… I don't know what we are."
Harry pulled Ron into a one armed hug. "Want me to talk to her?"
Ron shook his head, burying his face in Harry's shoulder. "No. I… we have to handle this ourselves."
Harry had agreed to keep it himself, but Ron knew his friend had still tried to reach out to Hermione anyway. The fact that Harry had also been shut down on the subject of Ron didn't bode well for Ron's self esteem.
Now it was less than a week away from his nineteenth birthday. He had a caseload of work to handle and was dealing with the shock of Zee being alive in some capacity as he tried to help his partner along with Harry and Higgins deal with the prospect of what to do next in the Sirius Black investigation. Zee was tucked safely away at St Mungo's where she was lying in a coma that couldn't be broken by a healer and the whole will she/won't she situation was left very much up in the air. It was a lot to deal with and there was no easy solution. Plus with Bellatrix, Belladonna, and Crouch still on the loose on top of it all, it didn't make anything any easier.
But Hermione was always in the back of his mind.
It was why she was the last person he expected to see when he pulled open the backdoor of the Burrow that evening. He'd barely hooked a towel around his waist when the knock sounded. He bounded down the stairs to get it and his mouth dropped open in surprise to see Hermione standing there. Her wild brown curls tumbled down her back and she was dressed in blue jeans and a white turtleneck jumper, her black cloak covering her shoulders.
"Um…"
"Hi," she breathed, her cheeks flushing pink when she noticed that he was holding the towel up with one hand and the door with the other. "Can I come in?"
Ron nodded and moved away from the door to let her inside. The door closed behind her and the two of them stood awkwardly in the kitchen.
"I wanted —"
"—What are you —?"
"—Can we —?"
"—You go."
They half smiled at each other and then fell silent.
Ron shifted on his feet. "Um… let me just go put something on."
Hermione nodded and he turned to run up the stairs. He made it to his bedroom in record time, towel drying his hair and pulling on a pair of red and gold faded Gryffindor sweats before he ran back down the stairs, afraid that she might have vanished in the seconds he took to put on trousers. But he found her standing at the counter with the kettle on and he relaxed a bit, crossing his arms in front of his bare chest.
Hermione turned to meet his gaze. "Where's your mum?"
"Helping Hannah with a wedding order."
"Oh, I forgot that she was doing that."
"She loves it," Ron said. "She helps out three or four days a week for four or five hours and loves it. Says it keeps her busy, plus being in the kitchen is perfect for her. She's a great baker."
Hermione nodded, wringing her hands together in front of her. "Of course."
Ron rested back against the counter, his eyes on her. "So… what are you doing here, Hermione?"
Her eyes met his for a moment before she quickly looked away. "We need to talk."
Ron crossed his arms in front of his chest as his stomach plummeted. "So, that's it then? You're finally chucking me?"
"What?"
"We need to talk, she says, what else could you mean?"
"I could mean that we need to talk," Hermione said, her eyes flashing.
"Well, I've been trying to talk to you, haven't I?" Ron demanded. "Tried for bleeding weeks and not so much as a peep!"
Hermione scowled. "I needed time."
"Oh, you had bloody time," Ron muttered.
"You're still angry."
"Of course I'm bloody angry!" Ron shouted, making her jump. "You fucking walked away with no bloody explanation, Hermione!"
"I know," she began, biting her bottom lip.
"She bloody knows," he muttered, rolling his eyes.
Hermione's eyes narrowed. "It wasn't easy for me, Ron! I don't need your third person commentary on my actions!"
"Sure seemed bloody easy enough."
"Well, it wasn't!" she exclaimed. "I just needed…"
"Time."
"Yes!"
Ron scowled. "Well, you've had it, so now what have you decided?"
"What have I decided?"
"Well, it's obviously you making all the choices here, inn't? You sure as fuck aren't letting me make them! Ron, we're taking a break! Ron, I need a time! Ron, I'm late! Bloody hell, it's like watching a fucking Bludger bounce between the Beaters!"
"That's not fair!"
"Well neither were you!" Ron shot back.
Hermione opened her mouth to protest this before she clamped it shut.
Ron sighed and took a tentative step towards her as the kettle went off. Hermione turned to make them each a cuppa and he just watched her, not sure what to say. A few moments later they were seated at the kitchen table, both of them gripping their cups.
"Look," Ron began. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean —"
"—Yes, you did," she interrupted. "And you're right."
Ron lifted an eyebrow. "I am? I mean, yeah, I am!"
Hermione sighed. "I pushed you away and I'm sorry."
Ron lifted his tea to his lips, not sure what to say.
Hermione sipped her own tea, her nails tapping the cup in a soft clink before she spoke again. "I was… upset."
"By the baby?"
She nodded.
"Hermione, it… I know it was scary, but it was all good. It was a false alarm like you said."
"I know," she whispered.
"I don't get it," he admitted. "You were so upset over the possibility and then…"
"I wanted it."
Ron's eyes widened in surprise. "What?"
"I wanted there to be a baby," she whispered. "I know it doesn't make any sense. I'm not ready to be a mum, Ron. I'm not ready yet and I know that you aren't there yet either, but when I realized there was no baby I felt like… I lost something."
Ron stared at her for a long moment before he reached across the table to take her hand. "Hermione…"
Hermione pulled her hand away and shook her head. "No! No, I know it's ridiculous to miss something that I never even had, something that I didn't even want in the first place, but I felt like I lost something important — something precious — and I couldn't shake the feeling, Ron. I couldn't let it go and I didn't know how to tell you that and you were so relieved and so…"
"I don't know what to say."
"I know I shouldn't have pushed you away, but I needed to step back a moment and try to make sense of what I was feeling."
"And did you?"
Hermione shook her head. "No. I think I made it worse."
Ron watched her big brown eyes blink back tears. He wanted to say that he didn't get it. He wanted to yell at her for pushing him away, but he did get it. The moment Hermione had told him she was late, he'd panicked. He wasn't ready to be a father yet. He wasn't ready to have a baby, but he'd be lying if part of him hadn't imagined it. He'd imagined a beautiful little girl with Hermione's bushy curls and overbite and his heart had ached at the image. He'd seen it so clearly in his mind that when she told him it was a false alarm, his heart had stopped for a moment.
"I wanted it, too," he admitted.
Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. "You did?"
Ron reached for her hand again and this time she didn't pull away. "I want to make babies with you one day, Hermione Granger. Not today and maybe not even in a year or two, but one day I want that."
"Me too," she whispered, tears on her lashes.
He brushed his thumb over her knuckles. "You know I love you, right?"
Hermione's brown eyes met his. "I don't know why. I'm a hot mess."
His lips curved. "Yeah, but you're my hot mess."
A soft laugh escaped her and he stood up, pulling her to her feet. Then he wrapped his arms around her. Hermione melted into his embrace and he rested his chin against the top of her head.
"You can't run away from me whenever something like this happens," he began. You can yell or whatever, but you can't walk away. That's not how relationships work."
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for walking away and for pushing you away. It was selfish."
"It was," he agreed. "I can't help you work through these things if you won't talk to me. I was upset, too."
Her cheek rested against his heart and he felt her nod.
"Is it stupid, Ron? To grieve the loss of something that never even was?"
"No," he told her. "I felt like we lost something, too. And then I lost you and it just… crumbled."
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
"One day, far into the future, we're going to have a real baby and you and me, Hermione? We're going to love the shit out of that kid. I promise."
She leaned back, tilting her head up to look up at him. "I don't deserve you, Ron. You're far too good for me, do you know that?"
His wide smile was quick. "Nah, we're both just right for each other. Now are you going to kiss me or not?"
A small surprised laugh escaped Hermione's mouth before she stood on her toes and pressed her lips to his for a soft kiss.
"I love you, Ron Weasley."
Ron cupped her face in his big hands. "I love you, Hermione Granger."
Hermione's hands slid over his bare chest and her gaze dipped down to it before she swallowed. "Do you think you could put on a shirt before we dive into the next part of our conversation?"
Ron lifted an eyebrow. "Why? Am I distracting you with my muscles?"
"Yes."
His eyes widened in surprise before he chuckled. "All right. I'll go find a shirt. You go make yourself comfortable in the living room and we'll talk."
"And we'll talk," she agreed.
"About everything."
Hermione's eyes met his and for the first time since he'd watched her walk away from him, he felt things looking up.
"About everything," she said.
End Author's Notes:
Holyhead Harpies:
Wilda Griffiths — Chaser
Verona Gold — Chaser
Ginny Weasley — Chaser
Gwenog Jones — Beater, team captain
Matilda Pan — Beater
Anastasia Smithwick — Keeper
Belinda Buckingham — Seeker
Coach Mallory Miller
Thank you for reading and please review!
