Chapter 36
Hermione POV
Juliette sat silently on the bench just beyond the Herbology greenhouses, staring at Hermione.
"Did you hear what I said?" Hermione asked tentatively, "I said that I'm – "
"I 'eard what you said, 'Ermione…" Juliette said softly, still staring at Hermione, "Are you actually wanting to say zis right now? I know zat you 'ave 'ad feelings for Ginny for a long time, and now she is available, so if zis is you trying to convince yourself to stay with me, please – "
Hermione silenced Juliette with a kiss, then took her hands in hers.
"If anything, it's solidified my feelings for you. I'll be honest, for a brief moment, I thought about the possibilities with Ginny now that she can Demelza are whatever they are…"
Juliette cringed, but Hermione squeezed her hands reassuringly.
"But within that very brief moment, I realized what it would mean for us… And honestly… I couldn't bear to lose you, Juliette…"
Juliette looked up at Hermione, recognizing that she was repeating what she'd said after the Second Task, and found Hermione smirking lightly at her. Then her face softened again as she continued speaking.
"Juliette I truly feel as if I'm falling in love with you… You don't have to say it back, and I wouldn't expect you to, I just needed you to know," Hermione said, bringing Juliette's hands up to her lips and kissing them softly.
"'Ermione, I 'ave never 'ad someone tell me zat zey were in love with me before…"
Hermione raised her eyebrows, "Really?"
"I meant it when I said I 'ad never been in a committed relationship before. Yes, I 'ave been intimate with people, but never committed, and I 'ave never told anyone zat I loved zem or 'ave 'ad it said to me," Juliette said sincerely, looking into Hermione's eyes. "To be honest, I am not sure zat I know what it feels like, to be in love."
"I'm not sure either… But I do know that I care about you. I know that I was terrified when Ginny attacked you yesterday. I know that my heart ached when you cried after the Second Task. I know that I thoroughly enjoy talking to you and how brilliant you are academically and culturally. I know that…" Hermione paused. "I know that I feel safe when I'm with you, and even safer when I'm with you," she blushed, but still maintained eye contact with Juliette. "I feel like besides you being extremely out of my league looks-wise, we make a good match, and – "
Juliette's eyes were blazing with emotion, "I am not out of your league, 'Ermione. You are ze most beautiful girl I 'ave ever 'ad the privilege of being with, it is no comparison."
Hermione blushed deeper at this, and Juliette smiled that genuine smile that Hermione loved so much.
"I am not sure about saying what you 'ave said zis morning, but I want you to know zat I do feel so many of ze zings zat you 'ave just said. Alzough, I zink we are better zan a good match, I zink we are a perfect match," Juliette grinned, leaning towards Hermione for a kiss.
Even though Hermione had felt Juliette's lips on hers many, many times over the past few months, this time it felt like a brand new sensation. Every single inch of Hermione's body was aware of her lips on Juliette's, and she couldn't help but let the tiniest moan escape into Juliette's mouth as she felt her deepen the kiss. Juliette smirked into the kiss, then pulled away. Hermione looked into her eyes, and saw they'd darkened somewhat, into more of a golden brown.
"What do you 'ave planned today?" Juliette asked gently, "Anyzing?"
"I uh, I was maybe going to go and study?" Hermione answered, breathlessly.
"If I 'elp you study later, would you be willing to let me fill in your morning?"
"Sure…" Hermione said, studying Juliette's face.
"Go, get a cloak, or somezing zat will keep you warm, and meet me by ze lake in 30 minutes," Juliette said before placing a gentle kiss on Hermione's lips.
Hermione's breathe caught in her throat as she took in the passion on Juliette's face, "Okay, I'll – I'll be back."
Hermione stood up quickly, then rushed off to the castle doors. She looked back for a moment to find Juliette still seated on the bench, smiling as she watched her walk away. Hermione blushed, then continued towards Gryffindor Tower.
"Absolutely not, Juliette! Maybe that hex yesterday did affect your brain!" Hermione declared, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. "You made me go all the way up to my dormitory to grab a cloak for this?"
Juliette was standing on the shore of the lake, holding her Firebolt. "'Ermione, I know zat you will enjoy it if you give it a chance. I will be zere ze entire time, and I will be in control. All you 'ave to do is sit in front of me, and I will make sure you are safe," Juliette explained calmly.
"In front of you? Are you completely mad?" Hermione shrieked.
Juliette chuckled lightly, "It would be safer zan 'aving you on ze back. I would 'ave more of a chance to catch you if you were to fall off."
Hermione stared at her incredulously, "No. There is absolutely no way that I'm getting on that thing. Harry has one too, I know how fast it can go and how dangerous it is!"
"'Emrione…" Juliette had set the Firebolt down and was walking towards Hermione, "You trust me, yes?" she asked gently.
"Yes…" Hermione admitted reluctantly, still glaring at Juliette.
"Do you zink I would ever put you in a situation where you may be in danger?"
"No…"
"You will be surrounded on three sides ze entire time, by both of my arms and my chest, you will not be going anywhere, I promise." Juliette reassured her, smirking lightly at the blush that had appeared on Hermione's cheeks.
Hermione looked from Juliette to the Firebolt, then back to Juliette.
"You promise nothing will happen to me? You'll make sure I'm safe the entire time?" Hermione asked sternly.
"Pinky promise," Juliette said with a smile, holding out her pinky. Hermione looked from the pinky to Juliette, and couldn't help but let out a small laugh.
"Okay…"
Juliette's face immediately lit up, and she extended her hand to Hermione, "You are safe with me, 'Ermione."
Juliette brought Hermione over to the Firebolt, stuck her other hand over the broom, easily catching it as it obediently flew up into her hand. She let go, and it hovered right below her hips, so she lowered it down for Hermione to climb on. Hermione took a few deep breaths, then swung her right leg up and over the broom and sat down timidly. Juliette effortlessly mounted the broom, and Hermione noted how much more comfortable she felt once she felt Juliette's strong body slide up behind hers. She leaned back into Juliette just a bit, melting into her muscular frame, and feeling Juliette's chest against her back.
"Let me know when you are comfortable, 'Ermione," Juliette whispered into her ear.
Hermione adjusted slightly, then nodded.
"Grab ze broomstick with both 'ands," Juliette instructed.
Hermione did as she was told, gulping a little at the nerves that had resurfaced now that she'd leaned forward and away from the contact she'd had with Juliette. Suddenly she felt Juliette lean forward too, reestablishing the contact. Juliette grabbed the broomstick as well, her hands in front of Hermione's then whispered, "Ready, 'Ermione?"
Hermione inhaled sharply, then nodded.
Juliette kicked hard off the lake shore and they hovered for a moment a few feet off the ground. Hermione had immediately tensed up and leaned back against Juliette, who'd adjusted to maintain their balance so as to not throw them off the end of the broom.
"'Ermione, relax… Remember, you are completely safe…" Juliette said gently.
Hermione took another deep breath and tried her best to relax, leaning forward just a little.
"Perfect. I am going to move us forward now, okay? You do not 'ave to do anyzing but 'old on."
Hermione nodded, and tried desperately to remain relaxed as she felt Juliette gently steer the Firebolt forward. Suddenly, they were slowly flying over the Black Lake.
"Over the lake?" Hermione hissed, trying to keep her body relaxed as her brain had gone frantic.
"If anyzing 'appens, I am a much better swimmer zan Krum. Do not worry," Juliette chuckling lightly in Hermione's ear, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. Even as the wind started to whip coldly at her face as they started to fly faster, Hermione could still feel the warmth from Juliette's lips on her cheek. "I am in control of ze broom, you can look around and enjoy ze beauty if you want."
Hermione hadn't looked anywhere yet except down at her hands, but as she lifted her head up to risk a look around, she was pleasantly surprised. She knew how beautiful the area surrounding the Hogwarts grounds were, but she had no idea just how stunning they were, especially from the air. The sun was just finally rising over the highest hill now, casting bright beams of sunlight on the castle and lake. She could see blurred colors of spring flowers that had just started popping up along the shore, and the green leaves of the deciduous trees in the forest starting to appear. The lake sparkled below them as it was struck by the early morning sunlight, and appeared to be much more inviting than the last time she had the misfortune of being deep below its depths. Suddenly, she felt the Firebolt stop accelerating and begin to cruise at their current speed.
"Is zis okay?" Juliette asked in her ear.
Hermione nodded, then shifted her weight very carefully to one side so she could look back over her shoulder at Juliette. Juliette looked at her curiously, and slightly impressed by Hermione's bravery. Hermione took a deep breath, then kissed Juliette softly. Juliette kissed her back, while effortlessly maintaining control and balance on the Firebolt. As Hermione pulled away, she saw Juliette look at her in awe, and she gave her a small smile as she turned back around to focus on the scenery in front of them.
"'Ermione, would you like to try?" Juliette asked in her ear.
"Try what?"
"Would you like to be in control of ze Firebolt?"
Hermione tensed up immediately at the question, "Uh… N-no… No thank you," Hermione stuttered, her eyes looking back down at her hands.
"Zat is fine with me, I just wanted to offer," Juliette said, planting another reassuring kiss on Hermione's cheek.
They continued flying for a while, until they eventually made it to a flat landing on a hill just past the opposite shore of the Black Lake. As their feet hit the ground, Juliette hopped off and lowered the broom, offering her hand to Hermione to help her off. Hermione looked around, and was amazed at the view this vantage point offered of the lake with Hogwarts in the background. As she took it all in, she saw out of the corner of her eye that Juliette was watching her and smiling.
"How did you know about this spot? It's incredible!" Hermione said, smiling up at Juliette.
"I take my Firebolt out every day to make sure zat my skills stay sharp, so I 'ave flown across zis lake many times and 'ave explored most of ze surrounding area. Zis is one of my favorite places to land and zink. It is secluded and quiet and 'as ze best view of ze area."
"I'll say…" Hermione turned back to look back out over the water at the castle.
"'Ermione…" Hermione looked back at Juliette. "I 'ave asked you zis once before and I want to ask you again. What are you wanting from me? What are you wanting from zis?"
Hermione paused, processing the questions. "I guess I'm not sure. I've never had a girlfriend before, or been in any relationship. I just enjoy being around you, that's all, and I want to keep spending time with you until…" she trailed off.
"Until I leave 'Ogwarts for good," Juliette said, looking at Hermione intensely.
"Yes… I guess you're right about that, you'll be leaving Hogwarts at the end of term and you won't be returning in the fall…" Hermione frowned at the realization.
"'Ermione I feel ze same way you do, 'ow you said you felt earlier zis morning. Because we only 'ave a few months left togezzer, I am 'esitant to say it back. I do not want to say somezing like zat if we will not be seeing eachuzzer after I leave 'Ogwarts."
Hermione looked back up at Juliette, tears in her eyes. She hadn't thought that far ahead about this relationship. They'd only been officially together for a few weeks, and suddenly they were thinking about when it would be ending.
"Does it have to end, when you leave Hogwarts?" Hermione asked, trying to keep her voice even as she fought back her tears.
"Would you want to be with me long-distance?" Juliette asked.
"Juliette, of course I would! I've just told you that I'm falling in love with you, of course I want to be with you! This is much more about the physical intimacy for me, it's your brain and your heart and – "
Hermione was cut off by Juliette's lips on hers. Juliette had grabbed either side of her face and pulled her in close, and Hermione could feel tears falling down her cheeks that weren't hers. As they pulled away, she saw that Juliette was crying, but smiling as well.
"I am falling in love with you too, 'Ermione. I zought zat we would likely be ending zis at ze end of ze school year when I left, so I did not want to embrace my feelings if I would 'ave to be cutting zem off in a mere few months. I am falling in love with you too," Juliette said, still holding Hermione's face in her hands.
Hermione beamed up at her, "Really?"
"I 'ave never met anyone like you, 'Ermione. When I offered myself to you to get over your feelings for Ginny and you said you were concerned zat you were using me… I 'ave been 'ooked ever since," Juliette smiled. "You are a good and pure person 'Ermione, and I zink you are making me a better person ze more I am around you. You are strong and you are opinionated and you are fiercely protective and loyal. You are a good influence on me, and I want to be with you as long as you will 'ave me," Juliette said, offering Hermione that genuine smile that she adored so much.
Hermione's face was growing sore with how hard she was smiling. She flicked her eyes down to Juliette's lips, then back up to her eyes, and Juliette captured her lips in a deep kiss. She felt Juliette's hands drop away from her face and grab her legs as she lifted Hermione up until her legs sat on Juliette's waist. Again, Hermione couldn't help but moan lightly into Juliette's mouth, as she loved how strong Juliette was when she held her like this. Hermione wrapped her arms around Juliette's neck, one hand at the back of her head, weaving her fingers through her dark, silky hair. Hermione began to slip slightly down Juliette's body, but Juliette lifted her back up abruptly, thrusting Hermione even closer to her. Hermione broke the kiss as she couldn't help but moan out loud this time, something that she'd never done before. She froze, staring down at Juliette. She noticed Juliette's eyes were the darker golden brown she'd seen earlier this morning, and that she was blushing, something Hermione rarely saw on the girl's face. Juliette set Hermione down slowly, maintaining eye contact as she did.
"I zink we should slow down," she stated, breathlessly.
Hermione nodded in agreement. While they had been meeting up to snog for a while now, they hadn't gone much further past that. Occasionally, sweaters and jumpers would be lifted slightly or moved strategically, but never removed. Hermione was new to all of this, and while Juliette was very obviously not a novice, she had faithfully maintained her patience and understanding regarding the topic.
"Would you like to return to ze castle, or stay 'ere for a while longer?" Juliette asked, gently pushing a loose curl behind Hermione's ear.
"I want to stay…" Hermione answered softly.
Juliette looked around the clearing a bit, before walking over to retrieve something from the edge of the grass. She set a rock down just before the clearing started to dive down towards the lake.
"Engorgio," Juliette pointed her wand at the rock, and enlarged it until it was slightly bigger than the two of them. She sat down and leaned against it, getting comfortable. She then motioned for Hermione to join her. Hermione walked over and Juliette opened her legs and patted the ground between them, beckoning Hermione to sit between her legs. Hermione sat down and leaned up against Juliette, sighing at how comfortable and safe she felt. Juliette wrapped her arms around Hermione and kissed her cheek for the third time that morning, and whispered, "I am not sure zat I 'ave ever been zis 'appy, 'Ermione…"
Hermione turned back to look at Juliette and smiled, placing a gentle but loving kiss on her lips. She turned back and looked out over the lake and castle, nestling in further against Juliette's strong and slender body.
I don't think I've ever been this happy either…
