Note: Hi, Hello!

Thanks for the comments and support! We're all eager to see Harry strive for this 10, huh? lol.

October 31st, 2005

Hogwarts Grounds

When she got the invitation, Hermione doubted it was true, but the moment she apparated to the marked location, she laughed with joy.

It's been a long while since she last stepped in Hogwarts.

In reality, since that awful night. Since the final battle.

And she shudders when she thinks about it, so, she's been drinking to brighten the mood.

This night is about having fun and that's exactly what she wants to do.

"You're here!" A voice calls behind her and she turns to face Ron. "Can you believe this?"

She shakes her head, "It's crazy!" They hug, Luna is coming behind him, eating a doubtful candy. "Who do you think came up with this?"

"I have no idea, but I loved it." Ron says back to her when Luna reaches them.

The Halloween party is taking place at the Forbidden Forest, just for adults. Former students. They're all wearing their forgotten uniforms, which is strange and fitting at the same time. Hermione already saw and talked with a lot of old friends that she doesn't meet as often as her closest ones. She was glad to learn that Neville is engaged and Dean is about to adopt a second child with his partner.

Not just that, but the whole scenery is extremely nostalgic. They can see the Castle and the Quidditch field in the distance and it brings so many memories-

"Hello, there." She turns on her heels at the voice. It's been some time since she last saw…

"Gin!" Ron yells and goes to his sister, embracing her tightly.

Hermione gulps.

It's odd, but she feels anxious seeing Ginny. Maybe because I had amazing sex with Harry three nights ago. Yeah, it's true they haven't been a couple for five years, but Hermione knows there's some unresolved business between them. She also knows that Harry still… has feelings for Ginny. It's obvious because of the way he's always hooking up with women that resemble her so much that-

"Hermione!" Ginny smiles at her and they share a hug. She looks as gorgeous as ever. "How have you been?"

Hermione smiles back. "Amazing, a bit crazy with the magazine, but well, and you? Where were you all these months?"

"Around, I mean, working as a freelancer has its advantages. But I'm finally back, I missed home a lot."

And just when Hermione is about to ask which countries she visited, Harry arrives.

Hermione watches while his face changes when he sees Ginny - who has her back to him. He tenses a bit, pressing his lips together but coming to them, nonetheless.

She's not sure how she feels. When she woke on the next morning after their amazing night, he was already gone to his flat and they met at the Forest of Dean for their run. There they talked about a few rules Hermione felt they needed if they were going to keep fucking. Aside from that, they've been busy and now is the first time she's seeing him.

And she can't deny that it's… different. She knew it would be, that's why she hesitated at first. Now she knows Harry in a way that is extremely particular and intimate and without the whole horniness of the moment, she can't deny she feels a bit naked, shy when she remembers how she sucked his dick-

"Harry, mate!" Ron greets him and they start to talk.

For a moment Gin forgets about Hermione and turns on her heels to see her ex boyfriend. Hermione has seen this sick dance of theirs for years now. They ended things on terrible terms, but no one really knows the real reason why. Harry only said that Ginny broke his heart. Ginny didn't even bother saying a thing, she simply moved on. Hermione never pressed on the matter, but she got tired of watching them interacting and acting as teenagers each time they meet. And 99% of the times, it's Harry who starts a fight.

"He looks good." Ginny whispers to no one in particular and Hermione raises an eyebrow. "Do you know if he's seeing someone? Seriously?"

She blinks, almost choking on her saliva. Taking a sip on her Butterbeer, Hermione says, "As far as I know, no." And she shuts her mouth, wondering- "Why do you ask?"

Ginny shrugs. "I'm curious. I- want to talk with him."

"Oh?" She widens her eyes, unsure if she heard right. "About?"

Ginny has no chance to answer since Harry and Ron approach them, Luna is talking with a few Ravenclaws.

Harry doesn't look at Hermione, his eyes are glued on Ginny. And she tries not minding, after all, there's nothing different, it has always been like this when Gin is in the room, Harry only has eyes for her. She sips again on her Butterbeer, a bit restless.

"Hello." Harry says, squinting. "It's been a while."

"Indeed, Harry." Ginny answers. "How are you?"

Ron and Hermione share a knowing look. This would normally be the moment for them to disappear and let the two fight in private, but this time Hermione resists. She wants to see what's going to happen, what they're going to talk about-

"Good." Harry says.

"We need to talk." Ginny blurts out to him and he makes a face, "In private." She glances at Ron and Hermione.

Ron sighs, putting one arm around Hermione's shoulders and steering her to where Luna is. She gives Harry a final look before going. To her surprise, he's looking back at her, his eyes soft. She smiles at him and he reciprocates. Harry winks and she feels… giddy.

Oh… shit.

Then she concentrates on the people in front of her, letting go of whatever drama Ginny brought with her this time.

And indeed, the conversation is fun and she keeps chuckling at the old jokes from when they were students. Hermione also makes some effort not to look back at Harry and Ginny, but she - all of them - fail when Harry yells.

"WHAT?" He asks. "You can't be serious!"

Hermione sees Ginny telling him to calm down, but Harry is shaking his head, running a hand through his hair, clearly angry with something.

"You're making a huge mistake!" He says louder again, making it possible for everyone to hear.

Now they're all paying attention and Ginny sighs, exasperated. "Enough!" She says. "I have nothing more to say."

And with that, she walks away, further into the Forest. Harry stays there, looking at the ground and shaking his head.

"Do you have any idea?" Hermione asks Ron.

He clicks his tongue. "I might." He takes a sip on his Butterbeer. "Ginny will tell everyone so I guess there's no need to hide it. She's getting married."

Hermione widens her eyes. "For real?"

"Yes."

Her eyes follow Harry as he strides to the opposite side Ginny went. "To whom?"

"Some guy she met in Ireland. She's moving there."

Hermione is truly shocked. And she can't imagine how Harry is feeling. But he already disappeared among some people. She sighs. He'll drink to drown all his feelings and that sucks a bit because… she was counting on a fun night with him.

And amazing sex.

That is surely off the table now.

Making a face, she drinks some more, there's nothing she can do. When he's ready he'll reach out to her and as always, as his best friend, she'll be there to listen.

But now, there's a party for her to enjoy.

It's way past midnight and Ron and Luna are saying their goodbyes. Even if the girls are with Molly, they want time for themselves and Hermione totally understands.

She's sitting at a strategically placed log on the ground, some music is playing loudly and there are strong spells around where they're for the students not to notice a thing. She wonders if Minerva knows about this gathering inside her school and she chuckles.

"What's so funny?"

Hermione looks up. Standing in front of her is… Cormac Maclaggen. And he's just as handsome as he was when they were sixteen.

"I was wondering if Minerva is aware of this little party." She moves one finger in the air, already slightly inebriated.

He chuckles and sits by her side. "It's nice seeing you." He says. Hermione tilts her head.

"Are you still a jerk?" She asks in a sharp tone, smiling.

Cormac laughs. "Maybe." He shrugs. "I mean, I organized this whole thing." He winks at her and she nods in approval.

"I'm impressed." She states, one hand over her heart in mocking shock. "Does Minerva know?" She asks in a low voice, leaning to him.

"She does." He leans to her. "She thought it was a nice idea."

"Look at that."

She moves back, putting some distance between them. Cormac wasn't the nicest, but-

"Time has been kind to you, Hermione. You look absolutely gorgeous."

She squints. "You're not bad yourself."

"Oh? Is that a compliment?" He snorts. "Because I remember how you used to treat me."

Rolling her eyes, she says, "You deserved it."

"Maybe I did."

They share a look. He's very strong. And very… manly. She wets her lips. Hermione arrived at this party with sex in mind - certain someone with glasses and a scar's fault - and she was eager to be with Harry, but he's nowhere and…

"So, tell me, Cormac, how's life? Are you married?"

He makes a face. "No. I'm actually single at the moment." She sips on her beer, her mind already betraying her and considering going to bed with him. Usually she wouldn't, but she feels like her judgment is a bit compromised. Hermione has no idea why she's so agitated. "You?"

"Single." She lowers her voice, still pondering…

"Well, I'm sorry the whole drama with Ron got nowhere."

She squints. "Are you actually a decent human being now, Cormac?"

He laughs out loud. "Maybe not." He bumps his shoulder into hers. "Growing up is a shock of reality, Hermione." He lowers his eyes. "Especially after surviving a War."

"Indeed." She gulps, her eyes falling to his lips.

He opens a side smile. Nice teeth. Cormac moves to her and she knows that they're about to kiss, but Hermione hesitates and he stops. "I thought we could have some fun together." He whispers. "I mean, Ron is at home with his wife and Potter was snogging someone senseless back there, so-"

"What?" She blinks. It- biting her lip she raises her eyes to the crowd, searching Harry.

She doesn't see him, though.

Cormac squints. "Do you wanna kiss or not?" His tone is sharp and she makes a face.

"No." Her voice is firm and she opens her mouth when he stands up and walks away, calling her a 'tease'.

Shaking her head, Hermione sighs. Maybe it's time to head home. Standing from the log, she leaves her beer there and walks to the border of the Forest, wanting to see the Castle one last time.

Alone, she crosses her arms and takes a deep breath. The Castle is just as amazing as always, imposing and full of hidden magic and wonders. She decides she wants to step inside, see its walls and think about all the amazing memories she created here. Not just with Harry and Ron, but for herself… the many lessons and hours at the Library; the way she would go to sleep thinking about how surreal it all felt and how she would wake with a smile on her face every day.

Not looking back, she walks to the Castle. There are a few places she wants to visit. Classrooms and such.

Hermione uses a spell to silence herself and she hopes she won't meet a student. To conceal her face, she puts on the hood from the cloak. It was no surprise that her uniform fitted her perfectly. She hasn't changed much since she were seventeen.

Her steps are sure while she goes and the moment she reaches the big arch close to where she punched Malfoy a long time ago, she chuckles.

There's only silence inside. Students are sleeping.

She walks calmly, some tears filling her eyes. It's impossible not to see herself with Harry and Ron at each corner she goes by. With her fingers brushing against the wall, Hermione walks to the Library. She can't quite put into rational thoughts all the emotions going through her.

And she loses track of time inside the Library. Hermione sits on her favorite chair and summons a book. Not even thinking about it, she starts to read.

It's the perfect distraction to take her mind from her encounter with Cormac and… Harry.

A huge yawn forces her to close the book and put it back where it belongs. She must have read for more than an hour and now she's insanely tired.

With a smile on her face she walks out, her feet taking her to the Room of Requirement. She loves this place-

Slowing down her pace, she pays attention around her. She's sure she heard someone following and maybe it's nothing, but she doesn't want to explain herself to a student or staff… so, she enters the first classroom she sees - to wait for whoever is outside to go - and actually snorts when she notices where she is.

Pulling back her hood and taking off her cloak, she goes to the bigger table at the front. This is the same classroom she hid inside ten years ago when she felt heartbroken because Ron was kissing Lavender. It seems like another life.

Still smiling, she props herself up on the table, sitting and thinking about that day.

Harry found her. He… took care of her.

Hermione gulps. She knows she's ignoring it, but she's been thinking about him the whole night. Mostly because of the way he reacted to Ginny's news. It surely seems like he's still in love-

"Out of bed at this hour, Miss Granger… not good."

She looks up to the door, Harry is there, his arms crossed, his hair a mess, his tie hanging loosely. He was indeed snogging someone. And she briefly hates the notion.

"Well, if I remember correctly, Mr Potter," Her voice is low, "I was prefect, so, I could give you some detention." She points to him, winking.

Chuckling, he closes the door behind him. She feels goosebumps at how familiar the moment is. It's almost like they'll be there until Ron bursts inside with Lavender.

Harry walks slowly, looking at the classroom, his eyes a bit lost. Hermione tilts her head to observe him, inhaling deeply when he sits by her side on the table.

A silence settles and Hermione takes his hand in hers, intertwining their fingers. After a while Harry kisses her hand, his thumb caressing it. She opens a small smile.

"I'm sorry about Gin." She finally says.

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. It's the first time she mentions Ginny and he doesn't shut off immediately. She wets her lips, wondering if he's going to tell her what happened for real between them, wondering if he's, at last, ready.

Not looking at her, he says, "I was just… surprised." He mumbles and says nothing more.

Hermione makes a face. She'll have to yank this from him, she's had enough. "Are you still in love with her, Harry?"

He snorts. "No. I don't think so." He's watching their hands.

"What happened between you two? Why she ended things?"

Harry clicks his tongue, letting out a sound of frustration. Then he turns to look at her. There's vulnerability in his eyes and Hermione holds his gaze.

"I proposed, Hermione."

Her heart skips a beat. Her stomach burns. Hermione blinks. "I- wow." To imagine Harry wanting to marry someone is… she was the love of his life.

"She said no." Hermione makes a face, not believing. Ginny was completely mad about Harry. It doesn't make sense. "I was sure of what I wanted. I loved her. I wanted to build a family with her." He shakes his head. "But she said no because she couldn't actually feel this love."

"What do you mean?"

"That's what she said. She said I was fooling myself, that I didn't love her that way. That I wanted to, but I didn't." He clenches his jaw. "It totally pissed me off the way she acted, as if she could know more than me what I was feeling… so, we had a huge fight and things ended." He kisses her hand again. "That's what happened."

Hermione purses her lips. "Harry, I'm so sorry." She leans closer to him, their shoulders touching.

"It's okay." He touches his forehead on hers. "It's been a long time and I might have overreacted earlier when she told me, but I get it… In a way I'm glad she was thoughtful enough to tell me in person, before anyone else."

"Indeed. It was nice of her." Hermione whispers.

"But well, enough of this." He clears his throat. "How was your night?"

She pulls back to face him, their feet playing with each other's while they dangle them.

"It was okay." She shrugs. "It felt nice being back here, even after that one terrible night." Her voice is low and her tone soft.

Harry nods. "I agree. It always feels like coming home when I'm here."

"Yeah?" She opens a smile.

"Yeah, do you think it's odd?"

"Not at all. Hogwarts is exactly that, Harry, a home for most of us."

He gives her a strange look. "Was it one for you?"

She plays with his fingers, marveling at how much bigger his hand is.

"In a way. I mean, I'm a Muggleborn, I had no idea what to expect or how to deal with my magic, so, this place was a safe landing, you know? I wasn't a freak here."

"Did the kids call you freak at the Muggle school?"

She snorts. "Some of them."

"What a bunch of idiots." He whispers. "They had no idea they were looking at the most brilliant witch of the century."

She laughs out loud, shaking her head. "A bit much."

"It's what I think." His tone is serious and she feels her laugh dying. For a few beats they only… look at each other, until he breaks the silence, "Is this the classroom I think it is?"

Hermione raises an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you remember-"

"Of course I do." He squeezes her hand. "It was the second time I really wanted to murder Ron for making you suffer like that."

"When was the first?"

"When he treated you badly before we became friends."

She gulps.

The moment feels charged.

And when she moves to kiss him, Harry is already there, his lips on hers, their tongues meeting gently, slowly. They're still holding hands. She can't help thinking how much they look like teenagers right now.

Still with his lips pressed on hers, Harry moves from the table, standing tall between her legs, their hands finally unclasping. Hers go immediately to his hair and Harry squeezes her thighs, taking over the kiss and sucking on her tongue.

She exhales heavily, tugging at his hair when he takes one step forward and brings her to him by the back of her knees. Now they're touching just right and she lets out a small moan. Harry kisses her neck, his hands moving to her waist, hers going under his shirt, feeling the warmth from his bare skin.

"You look so hot in this uniform." He says into her ear, his hands going back to her thighs and hoisting her skirt up.

In no time his fingers are pressing against her core through the fabric of her panties - another nice one she chose hoping they would end the night like this.

She runs her hands down his back, reaching his butt and squeezing with force. He chuckles.

"Impatient much?" He says, his fingers teasing her.

She mumbles in answer, kissing his neck, nuzzling him.

She… loves his smell. It's so Harry. So familiar and reassuring. Something minty and-

He pulls back, taking a step away and she presses her lips together, knowing this is part of the whole 'making them beg' thing.

Harry points a finger at her. "Were you flirting with fucking Maclaggen?"

She chuckles. "Maybe I was. Were you spying on me or something?" She wonders where the hell he was. Didn't Cormac say he was snogging someone?

"He's a jerk, Hermione." He crosses his arms, his face strange.

"I know, but he's hot."

Harry raises an eyebrow, pressing his lips together. He seems really… pissed. And him being pissed by her flirting… annoys her.

"So what if I was flirting with him, Harry?"

The moment the words leave her mouth and he clears his throat, shaking his head, she knows they are dangerous words, words friends with benefits shouldn't utter.

"I don't think he's a good guy, that's all." He says, closing the distance between them again, trying to pretend he never stopped kissing her to question her actions.

She pulls him to her by the tie and he opens a smile. Hermione kisses him. Harry hugs her, really hugs her. With tenderness. And she hugs him back, their mouths moving softly… gentle kisses.

They're all pecks and smiles and nuzzling and-

Hermione knows this won't do. No. It's too intimate. Too close to… a real couple.

Pulling back from the kiss, she says, "Bend me over this table and fuck me hard, Harry."

His whole posture and expression change. They hold their gazes. He squints, opening and closing his mouth.

But then he smiles, seductively.

"As you wish, Miss Granger."

In a blur of moans and fast movements, Hermione sees herself bending over the table, her panties on her ankles, her skirt up, Harry squeezing her ass, rubbing himself on her. She closes her eyes at the sensation. Since he buried himself inside her she's been thinking about it nonstop, wanting it to happen again, wanting to feel… full.

Complete.

She bites on her lower lip at the thought, she shouldn't use such terms or-

He licks her hot entrance and she moans, breathing heavily. Harry puts one hand over her mouth, leaning above her.

"You have to be quiet." He says, licking her ear, nibbling at her lobe. "We're inside a classroom, Hermione. At Hogwarts." He tugs on her hair. "Does that turn you on? To know that you're breaking all the rules? Fucking on the very same table a professor will teach some Runes bullshit to their students tomorrow?"

She moans again, indeed turned on by the notion that they're being extremely… naughty. He moves the hand on her mouth and Hermione sucks on his finger and Harry muffles his own moan, biting on her cheek. She turns her head slightly and they kiss. A proper kiss. Sloppy and frenetic. A kiss friends who are about to fuck share. Not gentle pecks. Oh, shit. Something tugs at her chest and she bites on his lower lip, sending away any kind of disturbing notion that-

Harry fists her hair and she holds onto the table, ready for what she's sure is going to be a diligent fuck.

And indeed.

Oh, fucking shit.

While she tries muffling her whimpers and moans, the only thing Hermione can think about is how well Harry moves, how extremely hard and deep he thrusts into her. How good it feels. How it makes her tingle all over. How it sends her to the edge fast.

He smacks her butt with his open palm and she lets out a soundless scream, her mouth opening in an 'o'. The hot pain takes over her but it stings deliciously. And he smacks her again, groaning, plunging into her.

She loves it.

It's the right roughness that makes her dizzy.

He squeezes her ass and pulls her head back by the hair. He's breathing heavily and she thinks about touching him, but maybe not seeing his face or feeling him under her touch is the best. Maybe this way she can detach the image of Harry from this amazing fuck and-

She jerks a bit when he moves, changing the angle.

"Better?" He asks in a soft voice and she grits her teeth.

There's no way of forgetting it's Harry fucking her senseless.

"Yes." She says, breathless.

He slows down the rhythm and she shuts her eyes when he pulls her a bit back, his hand going from her ass to her clit, the other one finding one of her breasts. As he stimulates her this way, he keeps moving slowly in and out of her. She clenches her walls around him, feeling… amazing.

It's so damn fantastic.

It's sheer pleasure.

We fit.

She shakes her head, dismissing the thought.

Harry starts to go faster, grunting.

"Fuck, your body is perfect." He says and she moans, his words making her muscles tense, the sensation of an orgasm taking over her bit by bit. "It drives me crazy." He leans to her again and they kiss. "Are you close?" He asks in a… sweet tone - so very out of place considering the way he's now hammering himself inside her.

"Very." She bites her lower lip, trying to take some control-

"Cum for me, Hermione. Just for me."

Oh.

Their eyes meet and she-

The orgasm obliterates her. Hermione holds tightly to the table, trying to have a solid place to make sure she won't fall down to her knees.

It washes over her in waves and she doubts, she really does, that she ever reached her peak this fast and this hard.

A 10. Goddamn.

Harry is also grunting, holding her tightly and releasing himself inside her with a few more thrusts.

Then, there's only silence and both trying to breathe normally.

She makes a face when he pulls out. Already… missing him.

Oh, hell, no.

Hermione hears Harry murmuring a spell and she knows he's cleaning them both, which she's very thankful for while she tries recomposing herself, turning around and pulling her panties back up.

He's smiling at her and she smiles back, even if…

Harry takes a step to her, cupping her cheek, kissing her.

Again, gently. Very softly. Very sweetly.

She wants to scream.

This is too dangerous.

Dangerous because she knows it wouldn't take a lot for her to fall in love with him. In fact, it would be extremely easy. It would happen extremely fast.

Because she loves his company.

She loves his laugh.

She loves his body.

She loves his flaws.

She loves… being with him.

Hermione pulls back, gulping and trying to hide her internal conflicts. Gladly he's too relaxed to notice a thing.

What he says is, "So? A 10?" He raises one eyebrow and she chuckles.

She doesn't want to tell him that… what they shared at her house three nights ago - those two orgasms while he was inside her - were already a 10. Neither she wants to reveal that just now it was another one.

Maybe he'll come up with new ideas if he never reaches this 10. And maybe she won't have to admit the fact that they indeed have a strong and deep connection.

Stronger than any other she shared.

"Another 9." She winks at him.

Harry snorts. "Oh, come on. It can't be." He hugs her by the waist, pulling her to him, kissing her jaw, her neck. "I saw the way you completely went to another planet."

Smiling, she runs a hand through his hair, also kissing the side of his face, feeling… secure. And good. And so fucking satisfied.

"You'll have to try harder, Potter."

"No problem." He says in a serious tone, kissing her cheek. "It will be a pleasure."

She nods, taking a step from him, really wanting to put some distance between them and going home to think about what just happened, about what the hell she's feeling and-

Harry takes her hand in his, walking to the door. Hermione blinks, not quite understanding what he's doing and he frowns when she doesn't move.

"What?" He asks, their hands still together.

She gulps and says, "I don't feel like going back to the party. I'm gonna head home."

"Oh? I-"

"Enjoy the rest of the night, okay?"

And she pulls her hand from his. He blinks, confused.

"Okay, I-"

"See you tomorrow?" She asks, giving him a little kiss on the cheek and going past him, fetching her cloak and then walking out.

Hermione doesn't wait for an answer or anything else, she strides out and keeps going until she's far enough to apparate back to her flat.

She's glad he didn't go after her and she hopes he hooks up with someone else tonight. She really does.

Biting her lower lip and going to her bathroom, she looks at herself in the mirror.

Hermione feels torn.

She doesn't want to stop having sex because it's wildly, crazily and madly good being with him this way.

But, on the other hand… she fears it might turn into something more for her.

And the real problem is… she knows it won't happen for him.

Now that he told her what happened with Ginny, she's even more sure of it, sure that he won't ever fall in love again. He poured his heart out and Ginny practically said his love wasn't good enough. That he wasn't good enough.

And Hermione knows this is his biggest fear and trauma. Not being enough. Not enough to be loved by his uncles. Not enough to save the Wizarding world. Not enough to be loved by his own girlfriend.

"Shit."

They never talked openly about this, but she would bet her life savings on it.

And what if she falls in love?

It'll ruin our friendship.

That's the last thing she wants.

Taking a deep breath, she decides on taking a quick shower and then crashing on her bed. It's been a long day and tomorrow she needs to be at the magazine to solve a few problems.

She won't overthink this situation with Harry. Maybe the best she can do is enjoy it and also go out on other dates, search for the guy that will be able to beat Harry's 10s.

She snorts to herself while she comfortably settles herself under the covers, sighing and falling asleep fast.

She wakes, opening her eyes. And almost screaming.

There's someone inside her room and-

"It's me." Harry says, "Sorry, I- I didn't mean to wake you."

"Fuck, Harry." She mumbles, turning on her lamp, sitting on the bed. "Is everything alright?"

He comes closer to the bed, sitting near her. He's still wearing the uniform.

"I just got back from the party." She glances at the clock on the wall. It's been only close to thirty minutes since she fell asleep.

"So soon?"

He looks down, gulping. "It was a bit dull." He shrugs, his eyes going back to hers.

"I- what's wrong?"

"You left in a hurry." He states. "And I wanted to spend some time with you." She raises an eyebrow. "I came over to see if you were awake, and I'm sorry for waking you. I'll head to my place."

He raises from the bed and she sighs, holding his hand, stopping him.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" She asks, knowing exactly what's happening.

Pressing his lips together, Hermione can see that he's trying his best not to cry. It's been twenty-four years since his parents were murdered by Voldemort.

"I don't know." He whispers.

"Hey, I'm too tired to move from the bed, why don't you go to your place, take a shower and then come back here? For us to talk."

He blinks, nodding. And he kisses her hand before heading out of the room.

She falls back on her pillow, closing her eyes, actually fine with her decision. This is them being best friends and there are no doubts or awkwardness on this regard.

It doesn't take long for Harry to come back wearing a white t-shirt and white cotton shorts.

"So, sit down, let's talk." She says, yawning.

"I should let you sleep."

She rolls her eyes. "You should."

They laugh and Harry… surprises her when he lies down on the bed by her side. Hermione lies on her side and they stare at each other.

"I'm not sure what I want to say." He begins, some pain swimming in his eyes. "I just felt like being with you."

She doesn't react at his words. He's talking about being with his best friend. With the person that always gives him a shoulder to cry on, specially on this day.

He means nothing more than that, right?

"Did you think about them a lot today?" She asks.

"Not that much, but I always wonder if…" He trails, averting his eyes from hers.

"If what?"

"If they would be proud of me." He whispers.

She smiles. "I think they would, Harry."

He inhales deeply. "You really think so?"

"I do."

"Why, though?"

"Well, I'm too tired to elaborate, but you're the most kind and amazing person I know." She shrugs. "That's quite enough for me."

He chuckles a bit. "Thank you." He says softly, his eyes bright.

She blinks, having a hard time in keeping her eyes completely open. Yawning again, she says, "Anytime."

She relaxes, wanting to go back to sleep and-

His arms are around her now, he's hugging her, pulling her to him.

"What are you doing?" She asks.

"Getting comfortable to sleep?" He half asks, half states. She opens her mouth and he frowns. "Oh. I'm- can I?"

She sets her jaw, already knowing she won't refuse this. Even if cuddling isn't exactly in the description of friends with benefits… it's always nice having someone to hold at night.

"It's fine." She says, turning around, giving her back to him.

In a beat one of his arms is around her waist, and they move for the other to be under her head. Harry sighs, squeezing her in his arms, their feet touching under the covers. She kisses his forearm and he moves to kiss her neck and cheek, his smell engulfing her completely.

"Good night." He says into her ear.

No, not good, amazing night.