Chapter 30: The Honeymoon Stage?
August 21st, 1998
Hermione never seemed to run out of excitement when it came to Fridays. Of course, it meant that the weekend was upon her. But that was a very small factor of her happiness. However, a part of her was very frustrated. She was in the laundry room, sorting out clothes with her mum. She couldn't help but boil up at the suspicious smirks which kept coming her way.
"How have you been, sweetie?" asked Emma looking up at her daughter.
"I'm great, actually. Just a little anxious." She answered and winced slightly when another wave of sharp pain hit her abdomen. Not today, please!
This was the reason for her anxiety all day. Hermione was proud to admit that she always dealt with periods in a rather brave fashion. She always knew what to do and what kind of medication balanced out the pain every month. But on certain occasions, her periods seemed to be stronger than usual. Those were the times when she preferred to stay in bed all day and just sleep it off. This time around, she didn't want to do that as it would mean missing out on a day with her one and only. Hence her frustration.
"Hermione dear, are you alright?" Emma dropped a pile of clothes on the floor and gripped Hermione's arms.
"I'm fine mum. It's just that time of the month." She answered.
"Ahh. Thank Christ. You gave me quite a scare." Emma loosened her grip on Hermione and smiled in relief. "Did you take the pills I always give you?"
Hermione nodded, "Yeah. Unfortunately, it's one of those stronger ones. Even potions can't help much."
Hermione already explained to her mum that as a witch, some of her periods may differ when it comes to pain. In Hermione's second and third year, all the girls had a single lesson in the hospital wing in which Madame Pomfrey told them all about 'that time of the month'. Of course, Hermione found the whole subject rather interesting. But that was until she actually started to experience the pain which comes to her every month since she was thirteen. On most occasions, she can easily manage the pain by just taking some painkillers or drinking a potion recommended to her by Madame Pomfrey. On rare occasions, however, the pain becomes a lot more intense. That's when the only good method of managing her period is to literally sleep it off. That isn't really an option right now.
Emma gave her daughter a soft hug, "Honey, why didn't you say anything? I wouldn't have bothered you with stupid laundry work if you told me you have a period."
Hermione smiled, "I know mum, I just wanted to help."
Emma searched her daughter's eyes and quickly saw through her, "that's not the truth now, is it?"
Hermione threw her hands, "You really need to teach me how you do that!"
Emma always had a particular skill when it came to sporting out someone's lies. In Hermione's case, it was too easy; she knew her too well. "Let's just call it my maternal instinct. Now, tell me why you volunteered to help with the laundry." She demanded.
Hermione's cheeks started to blush, "I wanted to try and tame the pain a little bit."
"Hermione, you know that's impossible."
Hermione nodded and looked down at the floor, "I know… but I wanted to try and get used to the pain, at least."
"But why?" asked Emma.
"Because it's Friday." She muttered.
Emma smiled. It all made sense now. Hermione wanted to soften the pain so that she could go round to Harry's and still enjoy herself.
"Sweetie, I don't know Harry as well as you do, but I'm more than certain that he won't have a problem If you just rest at home today."
Hermione let out a long breath, "But I really wanted to see him today."
Emma couldn't help but just stare and chuckle at her daughter as she shyly bounced from heels to toes like a little girl. "I still don't see a problem, dear. Can't he just come visit us instead?" she asked.
Hermione looked up at her mother with eyes full of hope, "Could he come round?"
Emma looked almost affronted, "Of course he can, why wouldn't he?"
"Well… I just… Harry keeps on going on about how guilty he feels for 'stealing' me from you and dad. He's a little shy about coming round because he feels as if he already takes me away from you too much." Hermione explained.
Emma smiled, "I'm still waiting for the day when that boy somehow manages to disappoint me."
Hermione smiled, "He really is a something special and out of this world. I just don't know what I did to deserve someone so caring and loving."
"You deserve him because you are just as caring and loving as he is," Emma answered. "Now… go and invite him round before I do it myself. And if he even dares to say anything other than 'yes', I'll deal with him myself." She laughed.
Hermione beamed at her mum before giving her a tight hug, "Thank you!"
Emma sighed, "Enjoy it while it lasts dear."
Hermione looked at her mum, "Sorry?"
"It's nothing dear, I'm just thinking out loud," Emma answered.
Hermione's face started to turn more and more confused, "What did you mean by that?"
"I was referring to your honeymoon stage."
"Honeymoon stage? What's that?"
Emma rolled her eyes and smiled, "It's the most wonderful thing that takes place in young relationships."
Hermione looked more puzzled by the second, "And… this honeymoon stage… what is it?"
"It's taking place between you and Harry right now. That longing you feel, the incredible desire for his presence. That's the honeymoon stage. I remember feeling it when your father asked me to be his girlfriend. It's such a lovely part of early relationships." Emma explained.
"I still don't understand. So, you're saying that it will come to an end?" Hermione asked.
Emma nodded sadly, "It always does." She looked into her daughter's eyes and saw nothing but horror. "No no no, I don't mean it in that way, sweetie. Of course, you'll still be in love, but you won't be feeling the same kind of longing that you feel right now. Of course, he'll still be the same Harry that you love, but you'll eventually get used to each other's presence and you won't feel the same kind of lust. It's because you'll always be together. That's what happened to me when I moved in with your father."
"But… I've known Harry since I was eleven." Hermione answered, "And I've loved him since my third year. So why am I still at that stage?"
"Because your actual relationship is only three months old. Which is why I said 'enjoy it while it lasts'. I'm sorry, dear, I really didn't mean to make you upset about it. I'm sorry that I brought it up. It was an accident. I was just reminiscing the past when I experienced this stage myself. You know that incredible desire to be with him and to have him near you at all times. It feels wonderful and you should enjoy every second of it."
"So once this 'stage' comes to an end… will I feel different about Harry?" Hermione asked.
"Of course not, sweetie. You'll feel just the same, maybe you'll even feel more. All that matters is that you're happy with him. Nothing else needs to matter." Emma smiled at her daughter, "Now go and invite him round. You're shaking already." She teased. "I'll finish doing the laundry and then I'll prepare you a hot water bottle."
"Thanks. I'll be upstairs." Hermione rolled her eyes. She slowly paced up the stairs and entered her room before reaching for her home phone and dialling Harry's number. Getting Harry to finally buy a phone was a great decision. She no longer needed to owl letters to him and now they were able to talk all the time and since Harry was born into a muggle family, he could work a phone without any problems.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Harry." Answered Hermione, smiling at the sound of his voice.
"Hermione, hey! Everything alright? When are you coming over?" he asked.
"About that…" Hermione began.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm not really feeling well today."
There was a short pause of silence from Harry's end.
"That's okay, love. Stay at home if you want to. You could always come round during the week when you feel better." Harry answered. It was quite easy to pick up the hidden disappointment and misery in his voice.
"Well… I was thinking that you could come round for the weekend instead. We could just rest in my room and watch a movie or something." Hermione answered and clutched her stomach as another wave of pain pulsed through her midsection.
"Sure!" Harry answered. "Is that okay with your parents?" he asked.
"Mum was the one who came up with the idea, actually. So I don't think it should be a problem." Hermione answered and smiled.
"In that case, I'll be there in 20 minutes," Harry answered.
"Sounds good. I'll be here, waiting for you."
"I love you, 'Mione."
"I love you more." She answered before hanging up. She took a deep sigh before curling up into a ball and digging herself under the covers. Maybe this day won't be so bad, after all. She thought to herself.
Harry didn't know what kind of 'unwell' Hermione was talking about, but he wasn't about to visit her unprepared.
"Beemey!" he called.
The house elf appeared right in front of him with a quiet pop.
"Master Harry called."
"I did. Listen Beemey, Hermione won't be coming round this weekend because she's feeling unwell. Could you do me a favour and prepare something for her that might make her feel better?"
Beemey smiled and jumped with excitement, "Beemey knows exactly what will make her feel better!"
"That's great! In the meantime, I'll go take a shower."
Harry didn't quite understand how Beemey knew instantly what the issue with Hermione was, but he was glad to have some form of a solution.
He rushed upstairs and packed two days worth of clothes in a bag before retiring to the shower. He couldn't help but continue to wonder what could be up with Hermione. She would've definitely told him if it was something serious which meant he didn't need to worry. Was it just a simple fever then?
Once he got downstairs, Beemey was already waiting for him, holding up a bag full of stuff.
"Beemey packed hot soup, dark chocolate, and a collection of Mistress Hermione's favourite books. Master Harry should also try to massage her. It will help a lot with the pain." The elf instructed.
"Ehm, thanks Beemey. I'll try my best. Do you know what might be wrong with Hermione? Why is she in pain?" Harry asked.
"It's that time of the month, of course!" The elf answered.
"What time of the month?"
The elf scratched her head. "Beemey doesn't know how to explain. Master Harry should ask Mistress Hermione about it."
"But she's okay, right? She won't get worse?"
"Mistress Hermione will be okay. It happens every twenty-eight days. Master Harry should go. She is waiting."
Beemey's answers made Harry even more confused, but that didn't stop him from putting on his shoes and making his way out of the manor. Maybe Hermione can explain it to him properly.
"Hey, Harry!" greeted Emma.
"Good afternoon Mrs- I mean Emma." Harry laughed nervously.
"Come in, please." She invited him into the living room. "Hermione is resting in her room you can go up to her in just a second. I was hoping we could clear something up first."
Harry didn't like the sound of that, at all. "Is something wrong?"
"The exact opposite, Harry. Everything is simply perfect right now. My little girl is happier than she's ever been and I'd be a fool to deny that it's not thanks to you." Emma smiled at him.
"I'm glad to hear that." Harry smiled as all his stress and nerves started to get replaced by relief. It was easy to forget how kind and easy going Emma Granger was. He really should start visiting the Grangers more often.
Emma glanced at the bag which Harry was carrying, "I see you've come prepared. Well, I must warn you. It will take a lot more to soften her. It's going to be a tough couple of days.
Harry desperately wanted to ask Emma what was wrong with Hermione, but at this point, he felt as if it would be almost idiotic of him to still not fully understand. He decided to ask Hermione when he finally sees her. "I'll try my best." He smiled.
"Anyway, I wanted to just remind you that you are always welcome here, Harry. Hermione told me earlier today that you've been feeling guilty for spending 'too much' time with her."
"I just know that both you and Dan have really missed out not being here when she finished her eighteenth birthday and I can't help but feel responsible for all of it." He muttered.
Emma smiled and cupped Harry's face in her hands, "I know my daughter Harry. I also know that she would've gone with you no matter what you would say to her. You might be her boyfriend, but I know her much better than you do. So trust me when I say this, Hermione would never think twice about standing by your side. You might not believe it, but we all consider you a part of our family now. So please, never feel guilty about spending time with my daughter. Because I know that she wants nothing else other than to spend time with you."
"Thank you, Emma." Harry smiled and gave her a soft hug. It was the first time Harry reached out to hug her first. It felt nice.
Emma hugged him back and then dropped a hot water bottle into his bag. "There you are. Now you have all the required items. You are officially ready to go and face Hermione." She laughed.
As Harry paced up the stairs it finally hit him. Chocolate, soup, hot water bottle, books, resting in bed, pain every twenty-eight days, that time of the month… suddenly, Harry remembered all those late night conversations he had with Ron, Seamus and Dean in the boy's dormitory. Those conversations always ended on girls. Frankly, he remembered all the keywords… Hermione was on a… period.
"Ahh, another wonderful jolt of pain… my absolute favourite." Hermione yelled into the pillow when a knock came on the door.
"Come in." She called, not bothering to look up at the door as that would ruin her comfortable fetal position. The door opened but no one spoke. Hermione slowly raised her head to see Harry kneeling down beside her bed.
She started to sit up, "Harry, you're here!"
"Don't sit up. Just stay the way you were. I'm here to help you." He instructed.
"No, it's nothing. I'll be fine." She lied.
"Hermione, stop. All that matters right now is for your pain to soften down. Now… I don't really know much about… periods… but I did have some help." He smiled as he started to unload the contents of the bag.
Hermione looked down to see her favourite brand of chocolate along with neatly sealed soup in a thermos flask and a hot water bottle. There was also one of her favourite book series. She beamed up at Harry.
"That's so sweet of you, Harry. Thank you."
"I did have some help. It also took me a while to realise what was going on. You know that I've never really had much experience or knowledge with this stuff. You should've told me." Harry answered.
"Well, the thing is that I can usually deal with my periods by simply taking some medicine. But on certain occasions, I get these really bad ones when I have horrible cramps. Even potions don't work against them. Luckily, they happen rarely." Hermione explained.
"I see… Well, let's hope that some of this stuff will help." Harry smiled and sat down beside her.
"Come here…" Hermione opened the bed sheets and allowed him to cuddle up next to her. "That already feels so much better." She mumbled as she breathed in his smell.
"I wanted to try something." Harry began as he ran his hand over her back. "Apparently massages help a lot."
"You don't have to do that for me, Harry. You've already done enough." She tried to smile at him when another wave of pain hit her and she winced.
"I want to." He answered and sat up. "Try to slowly straighten up your legs."
Hermione did as he said and tried her best to not grunt at the pain it caused her. Harry placed the hot water bottle on her stomach, causing a wave of heat to surge through her. It brought some relief, but not enough to shake off the pain.
Harry pressed his hands against her calves and started to run them up her legs until they reached her thighs. She winced again.
"I'm sorry. Is it hurting you?" Harry asked, concerned.
"No. It's fine. Keep going."
Harry's continued to run his hands over her thighs. His palms started to gently press over her muscles, spreading the pain across her entire body. It felt like her nerves were sharing the pain through to all her limbs, balancing out the aching. It felt good. She moaned in relief as the pain continued to pulse away from her abdomen. "Oh god, that feels so good. Don't stop, Harry."
"Never." He answered and continued to massage her thighs.
"You know, earlier today. My mum told me about this thing called the Honeymoon stage." Hermione began.
"What's that?" Harry asked.
"Apparently it happens to all young relationships in their first months. There's this 'desire' to be in each other's presence." She explained.
Harry nodded and smiled, "I definitely feel that."
"But then she said that I should enjoy it while it lasts because it will end one day. Do you think that's true." She asked.
Harry looked into her eyes, "I will never stop loving you. I know that for sure. As for this 'honeymoon stage', I think it might only work with muggles because I don't see how I would ever stop lusting for you either… for your voice… your smell… or your touch." He answered.
That was a good enough answer for Hermione. "I'm glad you feel the same. Because I'm planning on proving my mum wrong." Hermione added, closing her eyes. The pain was only a tingle now. Every time his hands touch her, the pain seemed to cower away from them. Like two positive magnets.
"Proving someone wrong was never a tough challenge for Hermione Granger, anyway." Harry laughed.
"You're the best boyfriend in the world, you know that?"
Harry chuckled, "Can I get that on paper?"
A/N: Some of my readers have asked me when the plot will start to move again. Right now in the story, it's coming towards the end of August. I can confirm that the next chapter will be set on September 1st, Harry and Hermione will be leaving to Hogwarts. I'm also planning an OC so look out for that too ; )
