Warning: Explicit content ahead.


Chapter 22: Contentment

Hermione bounced off the bed and paced towards the window, her fists clenched in anger. She wanted to punch Ron, and it was taking a lot of willpower to not take her anger out on poor Pig who was just doing his duty as an owl.

She opened the window and allowed for the bird to swoop inside. It took a good minute for Pig to settle down until eventually, Hermione was able to remove the enveloped letter from the bird's leg.

"This better be good!" she muttered through gritted teeth.

It wasn't even a letter… it was a postcard, from Ron. She studied the picture for a second, taking in Ron's smiling face next to a familiar bright blonde haired girl… Luna!

Harry stepped up behind her, a pleased smirk on his face. He was probably enjoying Hermione's reaction, and she couldn't help but feel pleased; He deserved to know how much she wants him. He placed his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him.

"Is it Ron?" he asked.

Hermione was trying her best to not turn around and attack his lips, so she just nodded, trying her best to focus on the small notice at the back of the photo.

Dear Harry/Hermione.

I just wanted to let you know that I'm fine. I'm staying in Romania with Charlie and you would never believe who I met here, so I'm leaving a little picture for you to see with your own eyes.

Hope you're both alright,

Ron.

Hermione turned the photo around again to focus on its capture. Ron's arm was resting on Luna's shoulder as they both smiled back at her. She really had no idea what Luna could be doing in Romania, but she was glad that Ron had company. There was also the factor that Ron did seem to have an interest in Luna during their time at Hogwarts; he always seemed to be fascinated by her. Hermione secretly hoped that something would come out between them. It would certainly help the trio to stay in contact and forget about past conflicts.

"Ron looks happy," Harry muttered, kissing the back of Hermione's neck, causing a shiver to run down her spine.

"Do you think something could happen between them?" Hermione asked, trying to focus on keeping her legs steady.

"If they make each other happy… yes, something could." He answered.

Hermione turned around to face him, taking in his beautiful smile and getting lost in his emerald green eyes, "When have you become such a love expert?" she teased.

"Ever since I discovered what true love is…" He pecked her on the lips, almost causing her to lose balance in her knees. Luckily, he was clutching on to her with his arms. Sometimes, the things he said were so cheesy, Hermione could imagine them being in a romantic 70s film. But it didn't change the fact that she loved it.

She started trailing kisses along his jawline, "You know… we really need to set up some wards around this place… I'd hate to get interrupted again."

He smiled at her words, "I've realised… My, my Hermione, I didn't know you wanted me that much."

She scowled at him, "Don't think too highly of yourself, Potter."

"I want you too." He added.

His words were like fire to her spark as she couldn't help any longer and attacked his mouth. She was about to push him towards the bed when a loud hoot echoed through the room.

"We forgot to answer his postcard." Harry chuckled, as he kissed her on the cheek and hurried towards Pig who was jumping in anticipation on the window sill. "Have we got any parchment around here?"

Hermione shook her head and smiled, "It's your mansion."

"Ha Ha, funny," He mumbled. "Beemey!"

The elf returned to the bedroom with a quiet pop, "Master Harry called."

"Beemey, do you know where I could get parchment?" Harry asked.

The elf blinked and nodded, "Master James has a lot of parchment in his study. Would Master Harry like some too?"

"Please…"

The elf was gone from the room for five seconds before appearing again in the same spot, with two pieces of paper and a quill in her hands.

"Thank you, Beemey." Harry smiled and turned to the bed's nightstand, he glanced at his quill, "Umm, Beemey… was there no ink?"

Beemey shook her head, "No ink needed, magic quill."

Harry nodded, "Ahh, alright. That would be all, thank you Beemey."

The elf smiled and disappeared from the room, leaving Harry and Hermione alone again. Harry was still staring at the quill when Hermione sat next to him.

"What should we write?" he asked.

Hermione really didn't have a clue as to what they could say to Ron. She wanted to know more about Luna, and how they met. But she also knew that Ron was probably still having a hard time getting used to everything. She was actually surprised that he decided to stay in touch with them after what happened; she expected Ron to remain quiet for at least a good portion of the summer.

"Tell him that we're happy he's okay and that it's great to see that he has company. Then you can tell him all about this place."

Harry shook his head, "I think I'd prefer to inform him about the Manor in person. I want to invite him over once he's back from Romania. I do like the other part though."

"I still can't believe he managed to just get over everything… how comes he's not holding a grudge… he looked ready to kill you, Harry."

Harry shrugged, "I think we both underestimated him. Turns out he can be a lot more understanding than we think… or maybe he realised this thing between us before we did."

Hermione smiled, "The Elephant in The Room."

"What's that?" he asked.

"It's how my mum described it" her smile fell as she turned red in embarrassment "…it's stupid."

He placed the quill on the nightstand and took hold of her hand, "I won't laugh."

Hermione sighed, "my mum always said how it was obvious that we liked each other… how it was visible whenever we were in the same room… it was so clear and easy to notice…"

"Like an elephant in the room… I get it." He smiled, realising what the metaphor meant, "I just wish I wasn't so blind." He sighed.

Hermione laughed, "It wasn't just you, Harry… turns out I'm just as blind as you are."

He smiled, "At least now we both know the truth…"

Hermione knew what the truth was, of course. But she just couldn't stop herself; she wanted to hear those words… they were like poetry to her ears.

"Which is?" she asked.

He looked deep into her chocolate brown eyes, absorbing every detail of her beautiful face. Everything. From the tiny freckles on her nose to her wonderful pale pink lips which looked so damn soft.

"That I always loved you… that I love you right now… and that I always will love you."

They slowly leaned in to exchange a deep and passionate kiss. It was different this time… Hermione's entire body went completely numb as she refused to rush herself. She simply allowed for her lips to travel against his, knowing that they will always come back together in the end.

It was then when she realised that Harry really was hers and only hers. She didn't need to worry about anything anymore; no one will ever take her Harry away.

They pulled away after a long minute, both trying to catch breath.

"That was…"

"Brilliant?" Harry asked, smiling.

She nodded before glancing at Pig who was still waiting patiently, staring at them both.

"I think we've scarred that bird for life." She laughed.

Harry laughed with her, before turning back to the nightstand, "Right, let's write this letter."


They spent the rest of the day roaming around the Manor, making sure to check out every single room before going to sleep.

Harry spent a good hour going around his father's study, while Hermione successfully placed wards around the manor. It took a lot of time and energy, but it worked in the end; she felt a lot more safe with the wards. It was hard to ignore the fact that they were in the middle of nowhere. Wards also stopped Owls from delivering messages, but Hermione already read up about ways to allow them passage. But that was a task for another day. Right now, all she wanted was her boyfriend and his charming company.

They both met in the living room, Harry was holding two cups of hot chocolate as they settled in the love seat.

She couldn't have asked for a more wonderful evening.

"Find anything interesting?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded, "Tons of pictures and documents… mostly Hogwarts stuff."

Hermione smiled, "Your dad was a head boy once if I remember correctly."

"Yeah, it's how he and mum actually got together. I don't think she liked him very much before that… but apparently, he changed."

Hermione enjoyed speaking to Harry about his parents. She could always hear the admiration his voice when he spoke of them and she couldn't help but feel the same towards Lilly and James. Afterall, if not for them… Harry would not be here right now… with her.

"I think we should visit them sometime, Harry."

He looked down at her, "What do you mean?"

"We should go to Godric's Hollow and visit their grave… we didn't get all that much time when we visited last year. I know you want to." She informed.

Harry concentrated his gaze on the fireplace for a long time before nodding, "Yeah… I think I'd like that… we could visit on their memorial day."

She kissed him on the cheek, "Then we will."

Lilly's and James' memorial day would not be until October, but she didn't want to push Harry; He clearly needed time.

He smiled at her, "I'm really happy you're here… with me."

"You better be." She teased.

He laughed, "Wow… I'm trying to be romantic here and you're just killing the mood."

"You know I love you."

He smiled, "That, I do." As he kissed her.

They sat for a good 20 minutes in comfortable silence. It was one of the things that Hermione loved so much about Harry; they could just sit in one room together for hours and not even need to exchange a single word but still be happy. It was something that many couples lacked, and that's what usually led to unnecessary arguments. Nothing like that ever took place between them.

Hermione smiled, "We really work, you and I."

Harry opened his eyes, clearly leaving a deep thought, "Exactly what I was thinking about," he smiled.

"I don't think there's any other couple out there that can just exist in total peace and quiet like we can." She added.

He smiled, "I think it's because we've been best friends for so long… it's something I heard once… apparently, it's impossible for a guy and girl to be best friends without trying to be a couple at least once."

Harry, Ron and Hermione were living proof of that statement.

She sighed, "well… it's always been a little more than just fancying you when it came to me… I don't think I ever fancied anyone. Same thing with Ron… I love him too, but it just took a while for me to realise that it's the kind of love you have for a brother."

Harry nodded, "Same here… it's always been more."

"Even with Ginny?" the words slipped from Hermione's mouth before she could stop herself. What the hell are you thinking!

Harry sighed, "I really don't know what happened with Ginny. I liked her… I really did. But It wasn't just fancy… it was this… feeling. I felt incredibly jealous when I saw her with someone. I think you remember… we spoke about it."

Hermione knew all too well what Harry was talking about. She could still remember the night when Ron kissed Lavender. It was also the night when Harry admitted his feelings about Ginny. Easily one of the worst nights of her life.

"Yeah… I remember it… so is that… is that what you felt with me?"

Harry shook his head, "Sometimes… but with you, it's been way more… I don't think I can even begin to describe it."

Hermione smiled, "I know what you're talking about."

"It's just thoughts mainly… and fear… I'm scared of not having you with me… scared of being away from you.

"Little things like seeing your face… hearing your voice… or even just hearing you breathe… it soothes me. Because I know that you're close to me… is that love?" he asked.

Hermione tried her best make words, but she had to nod first, "That's love, alright."

Harry had just done it… he set the nail in the coffin. He just described his love to Hermione and it was the most beautiful thing she ever heard him say. At that moment she already knew… Harry was the one, and there could never be anyone else to fill his place. Never.

"What about you?" he asked.

Hermione's heart sped up at hearing his question. She knew he would ask her, especially after sharing his feelings. It was only fair that she did the same. It was Harry, after all. Her Harry.

"I can't ever stop thinking about you." She confessed, looking down. "It's like anything that I see, do, or say… will always just bring my thoughts back towards you somehow.

"I'd flip a page of a book I'm reading, and I can picture our afternoons in the library, studying. I can see your frustrated face as you flick through a potions book, trying to finish that homework that Snape left you.

"I'm eating something, and I instantly try to imagine if you would enjoy what I'm eating… I try to think what you would say about it" she smiled. "it's really pathetic at times".

Harry placed his hands on her chin, raising her head to meet her eyes, "That must be the most beautiful thing I've ever heard someone say to me."

Then he kissed her, and it was just as wonderful as his smile. She was so happy… so content at that moment.

Contentment. Funny word. She wondered what it truly means to feel content. Was this what if felt like? No, it couldn't be… because she wasn't truly feeling fulfilled… something was still missing.


Harry continued to kiss her, slowly causing her to lose track of everything but him and his movements. His touch.

He was trailing kisses on her neck now, making her go crazy. She knew that this time, there was nothing in the way, as she started tugging at his shirt.

"Upstairs…" she moaned into his mouth.

Harry smiled before taking her into his arms. He was carrying her through the living room, making his way towards the stairs, as she kissed his neck.

"You know… I miss apparating right now." He grunted.

She laughed into his neck, "I think there might be a way to allow for internal apparition… but I'm too busy right now."

Harry carried her up two flights of stairs until they finally made it to the grand bedroom. It was dark, but Harry managed to manoeuvre his way towards the bed, before dropping her on it and slowly crawling towards her.

"Stop teasing me!" she cried as she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him towards her, crashing into his lips.

They seemed to have been snogging for over a minute, Harry started pacing towards her neck; he was fully aware what would happen once he started to explore that area.

It only took him a couple seconds before she squealed in excitement as he found her sensitive spot in the crook of her neck. Her hands went crazy as she grabbed at his shirt, pulling it upwards and over his head.

There he was, right in front of her, completely shirtless, allowing her to take in the lovely view. It was never a secret that Harry was extremely fit; he always stayed in shape thanks to Quidditch, and after the war, his body only seemed to have adapted even more muscle. She ran her fingers across his abdomen, feeling the warmth of his skin. It felt hard but soft at the same time… did that even make sense? She didn't know what did anymore. But frankly, she didn't care.

It was only a matter of time before his body started to react to her touch too as he fell back down on her, attacking her shirt, his hands making their way under the fabric, searching for her skin.

Before things could go further, Hermione knew something had to be done, as she sat up and hurried towards the bathroom.

"Everything okay?" Harry asked, clearly confused.

"Two minutes!" She cried as she shut the door behind her.

Harry never considered himself to be an expert of moments, but he didn't need an explanation to guess what Hermione was doing right now. It scared the hell out of him. Was he ready to do this? Only time could tell.

Hermione paced towards the sink and stared into the mirror. You can do this. Don't be a coward. He's Harry and you can trust him. After all, he's the only person in the world you want to do this with!

The charm is pretty simple; You just have to point your wand to the required location and cast the incantation. After that, the spell will work for a full 24 hour period.

After gathering her courage, she reached for her wand and pointed it at her abdomen.

"Ortus Imperio" She whispered, as a red light erupted at the tip of her wand. It worked.

She paced out of the bathroom to see Harry still in the same position. She hoped she didn't scare him. After all, she had to get ready for the inevitable.

She crawled onto the bed and started kissing his shoulder, "Harry… there's something you have to know." He seemed to be in very deep thought.

He turned to face her, "yes?"

She took a deep breath, "I've never actually… done this before." She was glad the room was dark… as it hid her red face.

Although it was dark, she was still able to make out his smile, "It's okay, Hermione… I've never done it either."

Her eyes widened in shock at his words, "You haven't?"

He shook his head.

"But… I thought… you and Ginny—"

"We agreed that we were both too young back then. I was sixteen and she was fifteen. Besides, the idea of cramping up in a broom cupboard really didn't strike me." He laughed.

Hermione couldn't be any more thankful. Neither of them has ever done it… and this would be their first time. It also scared her; she was ready to rely on Harry for support… but this meant that they were both just as new to it. But that made it a thousand times more special to her. She would be his first, and he would be hers.

He slowly started to kiss her, taking time with his hands as they trailed up her back. She was feeling his chest again, rubbing her hands on his warm and soft skin, trying to memorise his body.

She could feel him tense up, before grabbing at her shirt and shifting it up. She helped him remove it as he started to kiss her bare stomach. Which made her entire body to react with the pleasure. The tension in her belly was back and it made her feel nervous but hungry for more at the same time. She was lusting for more of his touch.

She was now unclicking his belt and removing his trousers as he undid the buttons on her jeans. Both of their trousers were gone at one point, leaving them only in their underwear. Hermione expected that she would feel self-conscious under his gaze, but that wasn't the case at all; she felt comfortable and special. It was the look in his eyes. Lust. Desire.

He liked what he was seeing and it only pleased her to do more, as she slowly undid her bra. He froze as his gaze fell to her chest. She took hold of his hands and placed them on her breasts. His hands were also frozen at first, until they started to move and pace over her skin. She smiled as he admired her.

"You're beautiful, Hermione." He mumbled, unable to keep track of his tongue anymore. She really was. She was the most magnificent sight his eyes ever experienced. His mind was racing as his fingers paced down to her knickers. Her hands already finding his boxers.

His heart was thundering in his chest as they both lied down, sharing each other's warmth and touch.

He didn't know when it happened, but he eventually found Hermione naked, looking down at him. There were too many emotions in her eyes to capture at once; desire, nerves, happiness, love… but he could feel them too.

She was kissing his neck, before looking down into his eyes, "Be gentle, okay?"

"Always." He answered, stealing a kiss before rolling her to the side, and climbing above her. As slowly as possible, allowing her to feel safe.

He shifted down, starting his kisses at her thigs, slowly making his way up. He was just below her stomach when she moaned in pleasure, "If you don't hurry up, I'll take the initiative." She grunted.

She was going crazy now. His kissing was doing bad things to her, making her go insane. If he didn't hurry up, she would end up forcing herself onto him.

He smiled at her, "Patience is a virtue, my love."

He was kissing her breasts now, making her nipples go hard from his electric touch. Her skin felt like waves of static against his touch. It was hypnotizing.

Finally, he made it to her lips, which allowed for her to take out at least some of her desire.

Harry hid his face in her neck as he positioned himself in between her legs. He looked up into her eyes, "If at any point you want to stop. Please, tell me straight away, alright?"

She nodded, "I will."

With her permission, he started kissing her again. She could feel him between her now. He was so close, closer than ever before, and he was about to be even closer. She was ready now, waiting for him. But he wasn't there yet.

"Harry, I want this." She whispered to him.

He stole one last glance at her, before pushing forward.

At first, all she felt was pressure. It was pushing her legs together, almost like a reflex. Soon enough, she gained control over her legs and relaxed again as he pushed further.

This time, she felt more. It was his touch, she could feel his presence. It made her toes tingle and her feet shake.

His final push made her moan. It was loud and she instantly regretted making the noise; Harry tensed up at the sound of her, he looked up, terror in his eyes.

It was amazing for him. She felt so warm and soft. It was also very wet, way more wet than he expected. But it was pleasure above anything else he has ever experienced. But he was not about to ignore her needs.

"Harry…" she moaned, "I'm okay… keep going." She assured him.

He was still nervous as he proceeded to enter her, at a lot slower pace this time, almost not moving at all, making sure to give her time. He wanted her to enjoy this as much as he was.

Eventually, he reached the end, he could feel her at the tip. He started to pull away, slightly quicker than the pace at which he came in. She moaned again. This time, he knew not to stop; there was no pain in her voice, she was enjoying this.

He was almost completely out when he pushed forward again, recreating the stunning wave of energy which pierced through him the first time. It was intoxicating. It was deadly. But he couldn't stop.

His thrusts became quicker as her moans picked up. She was rocking against him, begging for him to continue, and pressing her touch on his back when he slowed down. Eventually, his movements were not enough, she grabbed his shoulder and threw him to the side, rolling on top of him.

She placed her hand around his length, and positioned herself right above it, before lowering down. It was amazing, definitely a lot more than before. Now she could choose the pace, she had control.

He exhaled as she rocked up and down on his lap, allowing for her body to move freely against him. Sometimes going up, sometimes moving sideways, as if readjusting herself to his touch.

It didn't last nearly enough when Harry grunted in desire, throwing himself against her and laying her back down on the bed. Thrusting into her with more speed than before. He was able to go much faster than she could, which meant that she had to give him that control. It was the only way to make this feeling become more.

He was rocking back and forth faster now, gasping everytime he entered her. At times, she would be overwhelmed by his presence and she would moan his name which only seemed to motivate him to go faster. It was like an endless tug of war. But all it brought was pleasure.

"Faster, Harry!" She cried, running her hands across his back.

He did as told and it felt even better. Was there a limit to this loop of… contentment? Was this it?

Eventually, his thrusts became broken, stopping at awkward times. It only took Hermione a brief moment to realise what was about to happen. She was ready for it.

"Keep going." She ordered.

He did as told, not stopping any longer. Eventually, Harry's breathing became heavy until it turned into gasps. He cried out and pushed into her one last time.

She could feel it. The result of their love was now present inside her. She already knew this was not going to be the only time. She was addicted to this, that was something she was certain of.

Harry's breathing slowly steadied until he collapsed next to her. He couldn't find words to describe what he felt. It was pressure, then tightness, and it all ended with an emptiness as he pulled away.

They look into their eyes for a long minute, both fighting for breath. Hermione was the first to laugh, Harry followed almost immediately after her.

"That was…" she began, then looking at him, inviting him to end the sentence.

"Brilliant." He added.

"Just like you." They both sounded.

And then they just lay there, for a good couple minutes, just staring at one another in awe.

Hermione placed her arms around his neck, "That was one of the best experiences of my life, Harry."

He nodded in agreement, "I've never imagined something could feel so good."

She smiled, "I wouldn't want to do that with anyone else. I only want you, Harry… until the end of time."

Harry chuckled, "That's the romance I was looking for downstairs."

She laughed, "And now you're the one killing the mood."

Harry tightened his grip on her hips, "I love you, Hermione."

"I love you too, Harry."

They both fell into a tight embrace, before falling asleep.

Contentment.


There you go. Took me a long time to write this scene. I hope I did okay. I'm not really a big fan of sex scenes, but I know a lot of you were looking forward to it. There's definitely more to come. I hope you enjoyed : )