Who's Hermione's Paramour?

Summary: Hermione goes to a party, who will she hook up with? You decide!

Disclaimer: I do not make money with this, just playing in the sandbox.

Chapter 4 Bill

Hermione saw Bill Weasley sitting with his family when she walked in and couldn't help but internally sigh. That wizard was simply delicious. She had ran into him a few times over the years but never without others around. She has had a crush on the handsome curse breaker for several years, since he helped her recover at Shell Cottage if she was being honest about it. Hermione had been surprised to find him there alone since he had accepted the cottage when he was to marry Fleur and when that didn't happen, she figured he live somewhere else. But it did make sense, knowing Molly; she probably thought he deserved the cottage more now since the matriarch never cared for Fleur in any way.

Hermione never had a problem with the beautiful Veela but knew many were prejudiced against their beauty and allure. She had learned that Bill had been the one to call the wedding off but only after having a long talk with his fiancé, so she heard. She was happy they had chosen to wait, not because she wanted Bill...because she did, but because no one deserved to be in a marriage they weren't completely happy with.

After greeting her best friends, Hermione couldn't help but search for the oldest red head. She felt good and wanted to act on it before her courage left her as it had so many times before. She straightened her spine, took a deep breath and started her journey to the other side of the room. When she saw Bill stand and leave, her heart stopped, had she missed her chance? But then he reappeared and instead of going back to the table with his family, he moved closer to her side of the room. It appeared he needed a break from everyone and she couldn't really blame him. She loved the Weasleys, she really did, but sometimes they could be a bit overwhelming.

Deciding her time had come, Hermione corrected her course as she locked eyes with the wizard she desired. Her steps faltered just a bit which caused her breath to hitch at the smirk Bill was giving her.

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Christmas time was always one of Bill's favorite times of the year. The atmosphere was so much livelier than any other time, with Halloween coming second. The crispness in the air, the colorful decorations and the awesome food everyone seemed ready and willing to make just added to it. He also enjoyed that the goblins gave the humans working for them three paid days off for the holiday; the day before, day of and the day after Christmas. It had surprised Bill that they would show such generosity to a holiday that wasn't theirs but he appreciated it either way.

While chatting with his family, Bill noticed a certain witch enter the Great Hall. He couldn't hold back the smile at her wonder and awe of the Hall's transformation, then he took in the witch herself and silently groaned. Hermione Granger had grown into a most intriguing and beautiful witch. Bill had noticed her at the Final Battle and had been in awe of the power she wielded. Before he knew it, everything was done and the petite witch had become an apprentice to McGonagall. Bill had thought to approach her then but decided to wait a bit, everyone needed to heal, especially her. So he bided his time however, she moved on to another mastery as soon as her Transfiguration Mastery was gotten. He then watched from the sidelines as she got three more masteries, amazed at her drive.

However, Bill had decided enough time had passed and he wanted to make her his witch. The only problem was, he wasn't sure if she would accept any advances by him. She hadn't ever shown any interest in him but that could be due to not seeing each other very often. Tonight he would find out. He just hoped she would be receptive.

After a time, Bill needed some fresh air so he excused himself and stepped out of the Hall. It only took a moment for the air to cool him off before he returned. As he returned he decided to spend a bit of time away from his family. He loved them, dearly, but he could only handle so much at any given time, just like his siblings. Bill found a spot along the back wall on the other side of the room form his parents and leaned against it as he took in those around him. It didn't take long for him to find the witch he wanted, she was walking towards him but as soon as his gaze met hers, he noticed her falter in her steps and couldn't help smirking; he had his answer about her interest.

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"Hermione, you look lovely this evening." Bill greeted her.

"Bill, you're looking quite handsome." Hermione returned. She surprised herself with her words but they had come out without thought.

Bill smiled genuinely, "Thank you. Enjoying the night?"

"I am. You?" Hermione answered.

"Better now." Bill shared, loving the blush that bloomed on her cheeks.

It took Hermione a moment to say anything, his words had flustered her. She was becoming grateful she had taken a chance.

"Is that so? Funny, I was thinking the same." Her voice holding a flirtatious tone.

"Then shall we dance?" Bill inquired.

"Absolutely." Hermione answered as she shivered when Bill put a hand on her lower back to guide her to the floor.

The couple danced to quite a few songs, never realizing that several people were watching with warm smiles.

"Don't go scaring the witch, Molls." Arthur whispered in his wife's ear.

"I'll give them some time." Molly told her husband.

"Longer than a few months, witch. We want her in the family, not terrified to come near us." Arthur chuckled.

"They make a lovely couple, don't they?" Minerva asked as she joined Molly and Arthur.

"That they do." Arthur agreed as Molly nodded.

HG-BW HG-BW HG-BW

After a few hours of dancing, Bill and Hermione made their way to the doors, needing some air to cool off. Once outside, Hermione had to know, "Bill? Would you ever see me as more than Ron's best friend?"

Instead of answering, Bill pulled Hermione to him gently as he combed a hand through her hair, pulling her closer. Of course this gave her ample time to stop him but she didn't, instead, she leaned forward and met him halfway. The kiss was slow and sensual and everything either had hoped a first kiss would be. When they pulled apart, both were breathless.

"Come home with me?" Bill asked softly.

"Yes" Hermione breathed back just before she was apparated to Shell Cottage and they spent the night in each other's arms.

~FIN~