It had been another long day at Hogwarts as Hermione found herself sitting alone in the Gryffindor common room, her fingers drumming on the table, awaiting Harry's return from class. The room was filled with laughter and chattering students, but a heavy silence hung over her. When Harry finally entered the common room, she watched as he passed her without even a glance, his eyes downcast. It was the first time in years that he hadn't given her a smile, a wave, or a simple greeting. It was as if she had become invisible to him.
Hermione's heart sank, and the realization that her words had deeply wounded him gnawed at her. She hadn't intended to hurt him but she couldn't shake the frustration that had welled up inside her. She watched as Harry joined Ron and the rest of their friends, joking and laughing as though nothing had happened.
Over the next few days, Harry continued to distance himself from Hermione. He avoided her gaze in the common room, made excuses not to study together, and seemed to find reasons to be anywhere but near her. Hermione had expected a reaction, but not this. She had thought Harry would be angry, perhaps confront her, but his response was silence, and it hurt more than she had imagined.
Hermione knew that she should apologize, but every time she tried to approach Harry, she faltered, and her throat dried up. Hermione hated the tension between them, and her frustration built up until it became unbearable.
One evening, Hermione gathered her courage and approached Harry, determined to clear the air. She sat next to him by the fireplace and cleared her throat. Harry didn't look up.
"Harry," Hermione's voice trembled, "Can we talk?"
Harry turned to her with a blank expression and nodded, "About what?"
Hermione shifted nervously, "I wanted to apologize...about what I said to you, it just slipped out. I was angry and I took it out on you... You know I didn't mean it, don't you?"
Harry remained silent for a moment before speaking, his tone cool and distant, "No, I don't. Isn't that what started all of this between us? Why wouldn't you mean it when you're right?"
Hermione took a deep breath and met Harry's eyes, "I was angry and I said something I regret. I was out of line. You've always been there for me, Harry...and that's something I admire about you, even if it can be frustrating at times." She paused, trying to find the right words, "I'm sorry for what I said and I truly didn't mean it. The last thing I want is for our friendship to be strained because of some thoughtless remark. We've faced so much together and I don't want this to come between us."
They were quiet for a while and Hermione hoped that their argument was finally coming to an end. Harry then spoke in a low voice, "Listen, Hermione, I really care about you and I'd like nothing more than to move past this but... you can't just say things like that.. That's not who I am and you know it. You expect me to change for you and I won't. If that's not what you want then...then maybe we shouldn't be together."
"But... that's not what I want! Harry, I—"
"Then you need to stop with the guilt trips, Hermione. It's not fair, and it's not healthy for either of us."
Hermione lowered her gaze, her cheeks burning with embarrassment and shame, "I never meant to make you feel that way, but..." she trailed off, meeting his gaze, "sometimes it's hard to know what's appropriate and what's not when the person you love is also your best friend."
Harry stared at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable, he reached forward and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, making her heart flutter. Hermione leaned forward and kissed him softly, tasting his lips. She pulled away and looked into his eyes. They were glassy and wet. Her eyes returned to his lips, and she pressed her mouth against his again, feeling Harry respond. Her tongue darted into his mouth, and their kiss deepened. Hermione let out a small whimper when Harry's hand snaked its way under her robes, cupping her breast. His touch sent a shiver through her body and she gasped against his lips.
Hermione suddenly became aware of her surroundings and broke their embrace. They were still in the common room with other students sitting nearby.
"Lets go," she breathed, taking his hand in hers.
She led him out of the common room and into the corridors with one place in mind. Both of their faces were flushed with anticipation as they reached the seventh floor. Hermione glanced around, checking that no one else was in sight before pulling Harry in front of her.
"So, how does this work, anyway?" She asked.
Harry shrugged, "Just concentrate on what you want, and the room will appear."
Hermione closed her eyes and imagined a room as a door began to materialize on the wall. As the two of them stepped inside, Harry closed the door behind them. It was dimly lit and furnished simply with a large bed, a sofa, and a couple of chairs. The room was warm and cozy, and the walls were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes from the history of Hogwarts.
Hermione wasted no time in pushing Harry onto the bed. He stared up at her, his green eyes sparkling. She climbed on top of him, straddling his hips and kissing him roughly. She felt his hands tugging at her robes and broke their kiss so he could pull her shirt over her head. She pulled him back in, biting his bottom lip and sucking it into her mouth, wanting nothing more than to forget what they where fighting about and simply lose herself in the moment. She needed him.
She reached between them, unzipping Harry's trousers and fumbling with his boxers. Harry helped her slide them off and tossed them aside. She pushed him back on the bed and he looked up at her, his chest rising and falling rapidly.
Hermione paused for a second, trying to collect herself. She realized she'd been moving too fast, this would be their first time together and she wanted to savor it.
Hermione ran her fingers through Harry's hair, gripping it tightly, and pressed her body against his. Harry groaned and his hands moved to her breasts. She rolled her hips against his, causing him to moan in pleasure.
Hermione could feel the heat building between her legs and she began to move faster. Harry's breath hitched and he arched his back, grinding his erection against her. He held her hips, guiding her movements, and his thumbs caressed the sensitive skin underneath them.
"Harry... I need you..." She whispered, her voice thick with lust.
Without a word, Harry grabbed her and flipped her over so that he was on top of her. He placed a gentle kiss on her lips and with shaky hands began removing the rest of their clothes. As Hermione's bra was tossed aside, Harry marveled at the sight of her exposed breasts. His gaze traveled from her pert nipples to the curve of her hip and then lower still to the soft thatch of dark curls between her thighs.
His breath caught in his throat as Hermione parted her legs, exposing her most intimate area. He was transfixed, unable to tear his eyes away from her glistening folds. Hermione smiled, watching his reaction.
"Touch me, Harry." She begged. Her hands guiding his own toward her core.
He hesitated only slightly before brushing his fingertips over her sensitive clit. Hermione moaned, throwing her head back and arching her spine. Harry continued his exploration, brushing her slick folds with feather light touches. Trailing away from her sex to caress her stomach, the crease in her thighs, her breasts, as if he wanted to map every inch of her body.
Hermione shuddered, her entire body shaking from the sensation. Harry's fingers wandered back to her entrance and she gripped his wrist, stopping him.
"Not yet," She panted, "I want to be able to enjoy this fully."
Hermione reached between their bodies, wrapping her fingers around his throbbing member and giving it a few slow strokes. Harry let out a groan and buried his face in the crook of her neck.
"Stop... wait."
Hermione's hand stilled and he gently removed her fingers from him.
"Do you not want to...?" Hermione asked, her brows furrowed in confusion.
Harry shook his head, "No, I mean yes! Blimey, Hermione, of course, I want to. I just... you touching me like that... it's too much." He gasped, his shaft brushing against her thigh as he tried to steady himself.
Hermione gave him an affectionate smile and leaned up to kiss him. She wrapped her arms around Harry's neck, and they fell back onto the pillows. Taking her time, Hermione teased and coaxed his lips open with her tongue. Their heads tilting alternately in an combined effort to deepen their kiss, their mouths moved in sync, tongues exploring each other in a dance that left them both breathless. Hermione's hand couldn't help but reach for him again, only for him to restrain her wrist again. Harry ducked his head into her chest and stifled a laugh.
"Hermione, you're going to kill me." Harry joked, placing a kiss on the swell of her breast. The sound of Hermione's laughter echoed throughout the room, and they dissolved into a fit of giggles. Eventually, their mirth faded, and Hermione took Harry's hand, interlacing her fingers with his. Their eyes locked and the atmosphere turned serious once more.
"Harry, are you sure you want to do this?" She asked, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Are you?" Harry replied, his tone mirroring her own trepidation.
Hermione nodded, her eyes bright and cheeks flushed, "More than anything."
Harry exhaled, leaning in to capture her lips in another passionate kiss. His palm brushed against her slick folds for a brief moment, Hermione broke their kiss to look down between their bodies and she watched with rapt attention as Harry positioned himself at her entrance.
With one last glance to gauge her reaction, Harry slowly pushed inside her. Hermione parted her lips and stared into his hooded eyes, her grip on his hand tightening. Harry swallowed thickly, letting out a shuddering breath as he fully sheathed himself inside her. Hermione winced and wrapped an arm around his neck, holding him close. Harry was breathing hard against her neck, his body trembling as he tried to control himself.
"Hermione..." He mumbled before lifting his head to look at her. "Are you alright."
"Yes, but..." Hermione bit her lip, and her walls contracted around Harry's length, eliciting a low moan from him. "Give me a minute..."
They stayed like that for what felt like hours. Harry's face pressed against the side of her neck, his hot breath tickling her skin. Hermione's chest rising and falling steadily, her body adjusting to his size. When the pain subsided, Hermione placed a gentle kiss on Harry's jaw and rocked her hips up.
Harry made a noise somewhere between a whine and a moan, and he reluctantly withdrew from her, then thrust back into her, making Hermione gasp. He repeated this motion several more times, setting a languid pace.
Hermione closed her eyes, losing herself in the sensations. Harry's hand held her own, their fingers entwined, and his other arm snaked under her waist to pull her even closer to him. Her free hand explored his back, running up and down his spine. She kissed his shoulder, his collarbone, his chest, anywhere she could reach.
Their breaths grew ragged, and Hermione lifted her leg to wrap it around Harry's hip, changing the angle of penetration. Harry grunted, pushing into her faster and harder. She tightened her grip on him and whimpered softly, breathing his name and urging him to move even faster.
Hermione was lost in a sea of pleasure, drowning in the sounds of their lovemaking. She barely registered Harry's gasps of her name, her mind focusing only on the feeling of him filling her completely. Her walls clenched around him and her whole body tensed, then shuddered violently as waves of ecstasy crashed through her.
She heard Harry's low groan and his muscles tensed beneath her fingers, and Hermione felt a surge of warmth between her legs. He collapsed on top of her, their limbs tangled together, and they lay in each other's embrace.
Hermione gazed into Harry's green eyes and stroked his cheek lovingly, brushing away a strand of hair stuck to his sweat-slicked forehead. She could feel Harry's heartbeat gradually slowing, matching her own.
"That was..." She sighed happily.
"... brilliant." Harry finished for her. He shifted their positions and rolled on his back, taking Hermione with him so she was lying on top of him. They lay in silence, catching their breath. Hermione rested her chin on Harry's chest and looked up at him.
"Do you think anyone noticed that we were missing?" She whispered.
"Probably." He smiled lazily. They went quiet for a moment until Hermione spoke again.
"I want to be with you, Harry."
Harry blinked in surprise and stared down at her.
"Really?" He breathed, stroking her cheek tenderly. Hermione nodded and leaned into his touch.
"Yes, and not just physically."
He looked at her as if searching for something, before saying simply, "okay."
Hermione didn't know what else to say, and she hoped her expression conveyed the depth of her emotions.
Hermione reclined on a pile of cushions in the Room of Requirement, her fingers absentmindedly playing with a lock of her hair. She gazed at Harry, who was lying beside her, his eyes locked on the enchanted ceiling. The dim, silvery light that bathed the room seemed to accentuate the contours of his face, casting shadows and highlights that made her heart race. She couldn't help but think about how far they had gone, how their friendship had transformed into something deeper, something she hadn't really expected in spite of how it all began.
In the silence of the room, her thoughts drifted to the memorable night they had just spent together, exploring each other's bodies, discovering things that she never imagined were possible. It had been overwhelming, and yet, exhilarating. It felt natural to be with Harry in such an intimate way, and she wondered how long it would take for them to become comfortable enough with each other to experience it again.
She found herself drawn to the way he looked at her, with a mix of adoration and longing. She had always admired his strength, his courage, and his unwavering dedication to doing what was right, but now there was something more. The way he made her feel, the way he made her heart race, it was all new and overwhelming.
As they talked and laughed together, she realized that she couldn't deny her feelings any longer. She had fallen in love with Harry, and there was no turning back. The thought of him filled her with a sense of warmth and contentment, a feeling that made her heart swell with joy. She wanted to be with him, to hold him close, to tell him just how much he meant to her. But knew they also couldn't afford to let their emotions take control.
The twilight's soft light began to filter through the window, pulling her from her reverie. Hermione propped herself up on her elbows and turned to Harry, her voice filled with affection and longing.
"Harry," she began, "as much as I'm enjoying this, we should probably head back soon." Harry continued to stare at the enchanted ceiling, his thoughts hidden behind a thoughtful expression. He nodded, sitting up and gathering his clothes.
Hermione stood, letting the silken sheets slip from her body, and reached for her own clothing. She tried not to feel self-conscious as she dressed, knowing that Harry was watching her every movement, but a part of her thrilled at the prospect of his eyes on her. When she was fully clothed, she faced him, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She approached him and brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead, away from his scar, her eyes fixed on his.
No words needed to be spoken as she leaned forward and pressed her lips against his in a gentle, lingering kiss. She felt his arms encircle her waist, holding her tightly. It was the most exquisite sensation, to be this close to Harry, to feel his warmth and his desire. She wanted nothing more than to remain in his embrace, but reality tugged at the edge of her consciousness, reminding her of their responsibilities. With a sigh, Hermione pulled away.
"We really need to get back to our dorm rooms before anyone notices that we've been gone for the whole night." She murmured.
"Right, of course." Harry reluctantly released her and stepped back, his expression unreadable. Making sure the coast was clear, the two left the Room of Requirement and hurried along the quiet, shadowed halls towards the Gryffindor common room.
The corridors of Hogwarts were quiet, the echoes of their footsteps the only sound. Hermione walked beside Harry, her hand brushing against his every now and then. She couldn't stop her thoughts from racing, her inner monologue consumed by their situation and the future that lay ahead. They were in love, she was sure of it now. And while Hermione was happy and content in her new relationship, she knew they both had to be careful, especially now that everyone in school seemed to have an opinion on their relationship.
How many times had she heard someone whispering about her and Harry? How many people had snickered and gossiped about them in the Great Hall or the library, thinking she was oblivious to their mocking? She couldn't stand the thought of her private life being dissected and scrutinized by the entire school, and yet it was now a very real possibility.
Hermione glanced at Harry again, her heart filled with both joy and sorrow. She knew that he bore a tremendous burden, that he was the Chosen One, the one destined to face the darkest wizard of their time. The weight of that responsibility was etched into his every movement, his every expression. She wanted to be there for him, to support him, to love him, but she also knew that their love shouldn't be the focus now.
As they approached the entrance to Gryffindor Tower, Hermione's thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions. She longed to hold Harry's hand openly, to show everyone that they were together. She wanted to kiss him passionately, to make it known that he was hers and she was his. But Hermione also knew that they couldn't take such a risk, not yet. Their relationship was still too new, too fragile to withstand the onslaught of scrutiny that would inevitably follow if they made it public.
With a heavy heart, they entered the common room, leaving the moment they shared in the Room of Requirement behind. Hermione wanted to say something, to express how she felt, but she didn't know what words could possibly encompass her emotions. Harry looked at her, his expression serious.
"I guess this is where we say goodnight." He said quietly. Hermione nodded.
"Goodnight, Harry." She whispered, rising up on her tiptoes and kissing his cheek. Realizing there were a few people nearby, Hermione quickly moved away, hurrying to the girls' dormitory. Hermione quietly opened the door, slipping inside and closing it softly behind her.
"Late night?" Ginny asked from her bed, where she was reading a book. Hermione jumped slightly, startled by her friend's question. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you." Ginny added with a sympathetic smile.
Hermione forced a weak smile in return. She crossed to her four-poster bed, taking her time as she changed into her pajamas and prepared for the night. Ginny had sat up with her legs crossed, staring at her intently.
"What?" Hermione finally asked, feeling uncomfortable under Ginny's scrutiny.
"Something's different about you, Hermione. You're practically glowing."
Hermione flushed, looking away and avoiding Ginny's eyes. "It's just the candles." She mumbled.
Ginny frowned, watching her friend closely. "Did you and.." She trailed off, giving Hermione a pointed look.
Hermione sighed heavily, flopping onto her bed. "Yes." She said softly.
"Oh my God. You did it with-"
"Ginny!" Hermione hissed, looking in the direction of the other girls' beds, hoping they hadn't woken any of them up. Hermione scrambled off of her bed, moving over to Ginny's and sitting down next to her.
"Can you please lower your voice?" She pleaded, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
Ginny nodded, biting her lip to contain her excitement. "Sorry, I'm just really excited for you. Tell me everything. How was it?"
Hermione hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "Well, it was...nice. It was better than nice. It was...wonderful. Amazing. Perfect." Hermione added softly, her heart swelling at the memories of that evening.
"Was it what you expected?" Ginny pressed.
Hermione shook her head slowly. "No, it was so much more. It was..." She paused, struggling to find the right word.
"Intense?" Ginny supplied, Hermione exhaled a breath and flopped onto her side, facing her friend.
"That's one way to put it. It was so much more intense than I thought it would be, and I wasn't expecting it to feel like that. It was like nothing else mattered except for that moment between us." Hermione confided.
Ginny smiled, leaning back against her pillows and bringing her knees to her chest. "You have it bad, Hermione."
Hermione blushed again, covering her face with her hands. "I know," She mumbled.
They lay in silence for a few moments, both lost in their own thoughts.
"Do you love him?" Ginny finally asked quietly. Hermione bit her lip, her eyes welling with tears.
"Yes. Yes, I do, and it scares me." Hermione admitted in a shaky voice.
Ginny reached over and squeezed her hand. "It's okay to be scared. It's a scary thing, but if anyone deserves to be happy, it's you and Harry. Besides, I think you'll be okay. Ron will come around."
Hermione shook her head. "You don't know that."
"Don't be so sure about that. He loves you, Hermione. He might be a stubborn git sometimes, but he wants you to be happy too."
Hermione stared up at the ceiling, tracing her fingertips along the pattern of vines and flowers painted on the wood.
"What if he doesn't? What if it ruins our friendship?"
"I don't think it will. He might be hurt or upset for a little while, but he'll get over it. It's not like you've done anything wrong. And who knows, maybe he'll see it as a relief that he no longer has to deal with the pressure of being a possible couple."
Hermione laughed lightly. "Even if I wanted to tell Ron, I'm not so sure about making our relationship public."
Ginny tilted her head to the side. "Why not? There's nothing wrong with showing the world that you and Harry are together."
"It's more complicated than that, Ginny. Harry is not just...Harry. He's famous, and if we made our relationship public it would cause a stir, and Harry already deals with enough press."
Ginny was quiet for a minute.
"I guess it makes sense when you put it like that. But that doesn't mean that you two can't be together in private. I mean, you could still be discreet about it, like you have been, you know? No one will know unless you tell them."
"You're the only one, Ginny. We haven't told anyone else." Hermione said softly before adding, "thank you, Ginny. I appreciate that you've kept it a secret. It means a lot to me."
"Of course, Hermione. But don't forget, I can always change my mind and sell the story to the Daily Prophet instead," Ginny teased. Hermione swatted at her shoulder playfully.
"Don't even joke about that. It would ruin everything," She warned.
Ginny smirked before bursting into giggles. "Relax, I was joking. I won't say anything. But seriously though, promise me that you'll tell Ron soon. He's bound to find out eventually. He's not stupid, Hermione."
Hermione sighed. "I know, I just need to find the right time."
Ginny gave her a look of disbelief. "If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that there is no right time for something like this. It's best to just rip the Band-Aid off and get it over with."
Hermione nodded, chewing on her lower lip thoughtfully.
"I guess you're right. Good night, Gin." She whispered, going back to her own bed.
Ginny smiled and leaned forward, switching off the lamp.