July 31st, 2001

Today we celebrated Harry's birthday. I tried my best to make his day better in some way. He said he didn't want a party, presents or anything like that, but I couldn't ignore it entirely, so, when he went out to solve a few things I saw the perfect opportunity. I took Rachel with me and we chose a cake from the bakery close by, that one you love. If nothing could make him happy at least I knew a piece of carrot cake would. Rachel chose a green balloon and we surprised him singing 'happy birthday' the moment he got home. It took him a few seconds to understand what was happening, but when Rachel strode his way holding the balloon Harry opened the biggest smile I've ever seen in one of his birthdays. I think I was smiling just as wide, Tess. The cake in my hands and my heart a little lighter. I told him to make a wish and by the way he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply I knew he was wishing for you to come back to us. And I really think the cake made him feel better. He took a few photos later and it gave me such happiness to watch him so carefree that I almost felt guilty about it. It's been hard to understand my feelings recently.

I feel bad for living my life and enjoying it, but I don't want to feel that anymore, Tess. I know you would be the first one to tell me to be happy, to seize my time here, to feel everything as if I would never feel anything ever again. And I understand that this won't make me love or miss you any less. Maybe it will make me love and miss you even more.

I'm sorry I didn't write or visited you much for the past few weeks. It's been crazy at the Hospital and here at home. Rachel is having nightmares. I don't know what to do anymore, not even holding her that specific way is working. Harry is the only one she wants and when he's not around she screams and cries. It saddens me a little that I'm not enough anymore, but I guess it's just a phase. She surely sees more of him now.

Wish you were here. Wish I could talk to you about the healer who asked me out yesterday. He's cute, but I don't know if I'm ready to date. Yes, I miss having sex, but am I really up to all the boring stuff that comes with it?

Haven't talked to Ron either. Have no idea what he's up to. It hurts a little.

I miss you. Ah! I finally got us some mobiles in case St. George's needs to get in touch with us when you wake up.

August 10th, 2001

It's hard to explain what he's feeling. Hermione is out on her third date with some healer. Harry has no idea what the man's name is, but he doesn't care either, as long as he's not an asshole to Hermione things should be fine. But that's not what's giving him some anxiety right now. Rachel is watching a cartoon with wide eyes and he's standing in the middle of his - Tessa's - room while gazing at her things. It's been a month since he talked to Hermione and two since Tessa's accident, and her situation hasn't changed, she's still in a coma and her things are still there, taunting him.

Harry takes a deep breath. He wished Hermione were there and they could do this together, but he feels like he can't wait any longer. It's now or never. And something tells him Hermione is not coming back home tonight. Groaning in annoyance he lifts his wand and closes his eyes, still doubting if he should box all of Tessa's things, still trying to hold onto the hope that she's waking up tonight or tomorrow. But he needs to face the facts, chances are slim of that happening. Sighing, he opens his eyes and begins to orderly pack all of her clothes and accessories, the act of bottling her 'essence' in boxes breaking his heart.

Rachel shrieks at the magic. She loves it when they do it in front of her or for her. Harry opens a little smile at his daughter's excitement, wondering if she holds this same marvelous thing inside her. It's too soon to tell, but it wouldn't matter anyway. It wouldn't do the tiniest difference in how much he loves her. His smile widens when the little girl starts running after the things floating around. Harry decided not putting away any furniture or portraits. Just the things that scream 'Tessa!'. It takes him longer than he imagined it would, but after going through every room - except Hermione's - he heads to the 'Photo Room' - as they're calling it now - and shrinks all the boxes, Rachel following him everywhere.

"I guess that's it, sweetie." He takes her in his arms and admires the photographs as he does every time he steps inside the place.

He has been taking a few photos of his own and he can't deny it brings him joy. Rachel leans on his shoulder, her hands grabbing his t-shirt while Harry gazes at the table and fetches the last few ones he took on his birthday. Any photo with Rachel in it is beautiful and if it wasn't for the ones Hermione took of him with his daughter, he would doubt how big his smile was that day. He goes through them and Rachel calls out the unmistakable 'Mi' the moment one of her in Hermione's arms appears. Harry chuckles at his daughter. "You really love aunt Mi, don't you?" He kisses her head and lets his eyes linger on the photo. Hermione's gesture that day warmed his heart. Just them, a cake and a green balloon. It was perfect. He observes Hermione's smile and his mind can't deny how amazing she looks when she's this happy. Harry purses his lips, his eyes going from the photo to the empty corridor, his mind on the fact that she's out with healer 'who-cares-what-his-name-is'.

Suddenly he's extremely annoyed and the feeling surprises him.

Shaking his head he puts the photos back on the table and glances one more time at the boxes on the corner, his heart squeezing and his mind thinking about the little time he had with Tessa. But she'll wake. I know she will. And I'll be here, waiting. He closes the door behind him and heads to the living room, his eyes inadvertently going over the clock on the wall. 11pm. A pang of anger goes through him. "So, I guess it's just us tonight." He says to Rachel, but she's already falling asleep, her eyes little as she rubs her hands against them and yawns. Harry hopes she sleeps better this night, it's been terrible to watch her stir and wake crying because of nightmares. He walks with her, humming a song and waiting for the right moment to lay her on the crib.

It's almost midnight when he decides going to bed. Harry has no idea why, but it felt like he was waiting for Hermione to get home… because… she's always there. Not tonight apparently. He swallows the lump in his throat, ignoring his feelings and convincing himself that he's only worried about her. She's his best friend after all.

September 1st, 2001

So, okay. I think I might be really liking going out with Noah. He's handsome and just so easygoing that it scares me sometimes. We talk about nothing and everything and I never wanted Ron the way I want him, Tess. Yeah, I loved Ron, but at the same time things weren't… hot between us. But with Noah. Well. I might be blushing by just writing this. I can't even bump into him at the Hospital because we can't keep our hands to ourselves. And he makes me wanna stay in bed with him. Can you imagine? Me, losing my shift? Because of a guy?

I think he wants more though, I'm getting the impression he wants to make it official and I'm not sure about it. I don't know why. I don't know if it's still because of Ron - whom I haven't talked yet - or if there's something else holding me back. I shouldn't hold back, right? There's no reason to…

I decided I want to be with my friends and the people I love on my birthday and I would like to invite Noah. Is it too much? He would be meeting everyone at once and I have my doubts about that. There's a few weeks till then, so, I'll think about it.

I miss you, Tess.

September 19th, 2001

He's fretting. Why am I so nervous about this? He grits his teeth. He doesn't want to admit it, but he actually knows why he's nervous. It's Hermione's birthday and he wants it to be as perfect as she made his. He wants her to be happy and smile and enjoy her day. She said she was thinking about getting everyone together and Harry told her not to worry about it, he said he would do it since he had more time on his hands. She hugged and thanked him and that made him feel all kinds of warm - a feeling he didn't dwell on. So, thinking about all the things she loves he talked to Draco and Ginny and they decided on throwing a small party/dinner at their backyard. There's a big table outside and a tent covering it, lights and a few couches scattered around. It looks nice indeed. He even brought the camera to take some pictures.

Rachel is running wild and Harry is keeping his eye on her, letting her trip a few times for her to learn that she needs to pay attention to where she's going and others cushioning her fall with a simple spell.

Draco stops by his side, sipping on a beer. "So, I heard he declined the invitation." Harry huffs.

"Yeah. Git." They're talking about Ron and the fact that he said he didn't want to be in the same room as Hermione ever again when Ginny invited him.

"Tell me about it." Ginny says behind them, her eyes going over everything as the Weasleys settle themselves and a few of Hermione's coworkers sit with them. Her parents couldn't come, but she'll spend a few days with them in a week, so, Harry guesses they'll make up to it. "Do you know if she's bringing the healer?" Ginny asks curiously.

"A healer?" Draco raises his eyebrows. "Didn't know she was dating. Is that right, Harry?"

Harry clears his throat, moving uncomfortably. "I don't think it's serious. I mean, they've been going out for a while now, but she never talks about him or anything… What are the odds she's bringing him to her birthday with all her friends?" Harry snorts. "So, no, she's not bringing him, I'm su-"

He stops mid sentence the moment Hermione apparates a few feet in front of them. Harry opens a smile, but he stops, his face a strange mask of confusion. She's holding hands with a man. Tall, blond and all over her. Molly is the first to greet them as Harry still feels petrified on the spot.

"Oh, wow. Now I'm glad Ron actually declined." Ginny breathes before going to greet Hermione.

Harry faintly hears Hermione introducing 'Noah' - ah, that's his name no one cares about - and saying he's her boyfriend. He purses his lips. Suddenly, very unsure of what to do or how to behave. And it bothers him because he never felt this way around Hermione. Harry watches Rachel running to her godmother and Hermione picking her up, smiling and yelling in a joyous way. The healer - Ned or whatever - leans to Rachel and smiles, his hand holding Hermione by the waist, bringing her closer to him. And just the image of Rachel in Hermione's arms with that man by her side makes something boils inside Harry. The picture is… wrong.

Hermione finally spots him and beams. She has such a beautiful smile. Putting Rachel down - who runs to the Weasleys, she loves them - Hermione tugs the tall guy by his hand and walks in Harry's direction. He still hasn't moved. But as she gets closer he realizes he's being an idiot. It's her birthday and there's nothing wrong with her bringing her… boyfriend. Harry blinks. If the healer is good for her then all is fine. He moves, finally.

They embrace tightly and he can't help closing his eyes and inhaling deeply. It's like every hug he shares with Hermione is like this now. Intense and refreshing. "Happy birthday." He says into her ear and she squeezes him even tighter, pulling away after a beat.

"Harry." Her voice is soft. "Thank you. This is perfect, really." She says looking around and taking everything in. He feels good for doing this. It's a way of thanking Hermione for everything she's been doing for him and his daughter. Not that he needs to, he knows she does it because she loves Rachel, but still.

"You deserve it." He says and they seem hypnotized as they gaze into each other's eyes. It's the healer's presence that ends their moment.

Hermione turns and intertwines her fingers with the man's again. "Harry, this is Noah. My boyfriend." Harry fakes a smile. "Noah, I think you know who Harry Potter is, right?" Harry watches as she teases her boyfriend and the guy teases her back, faking confusion then kissing her fast.

He extends his hand to Harry, smiling. "Hi, it's nice to meet you." Harry shakes his hand, but doesn't say anything as he just nods his head. "You have a beautiful daughter."

"I know." Harry answers and Hermione raises an eyebrow, probably feeling the heavy atmosphere circling them. Draco saves the moment of Harry's utter 'gitness' when he calls to Hermione and everyone comes together at the table.

He has no idea why he's so annoyed.

When the party is coming to an end after everyone stuffed themselves with cake and Rachel is already defeated in his arms, Harry glances at Hermione sitting close to Ned and purses his lips. He wanted to give her a special gift, but as he watches them he doubts she's heading to the flat tonight. He's calmer now, he has no idea what got into him earlier, no idea why he behaved like… a jealous friend. He knows there's nothing to it, just the fact that he worries about Hermione and is always thinking what's best for her. The healer seems to be a nice guy, so…

He sighs as he gets closer to them, ready to say goodnight. "Hey," He gets their attention. "It was nice meeting you," He says to Ned and turns his head to Hermione. "Happy birthday, again. See you tomorrow?" She frowns.

"Tomorrow? No, I'm heading home now, actually." The healer groans and she smiles with the corner of her mouth, obviously aware of the reason why the man seems so displeased. She turns to him and talks in a low voice, but Harry is too close not to hear. "If I go back to your place we won't sleep at all and we have an early shift tomorrow." She doesn't wait for an answer as she kisses him briefly and gets up.

Harry nods at her and heads to the flat.

He has the time to put Rachel in her crib and sit on the couch, rubbing his hands together just as Hermione apparates inside. "Hey." She smiles at him. She looks happy and satisfied with the day she had. Hermione crumbles down on the couch by his side, immediately taking his hand in hers.

They share a comfortable silence.

Harry breaks it.

"I have a little something for you." She turns, narrowing her eyes at him.

"Oh? You shouldn't have-"

"It's just…" He smiles and gets up, fetching the present inside his room. Hermione opens the biggest smile of the night when she sees it. "It felt… right." He hands her the yellow balloon. "Rachel chose."

Hermione chuckles lightly. The green balloon Rachel chose for him is pressed against the ceiling of his room, still fresh as new because of a spell he casted on it. Getting up she hugs him again and he doesn't know why, but it stirs his insides when she kisses his cheek. "I loved it." She takes a step back and heads to her room, leaving him with a lot to think about.

October 31st, 2001

It's practically November since the day is already over, but I want to vent about freaking Halloween and what just happened. Harry can be so frustrating sometimes, I don't even know how we get along so well. Honestly. I asked him a week ago if he wanted to go trick-or-treating with Rachel. He said he didn't feel like it, and I understood, of course, I know how Halloween can be painful for him. So, I asked if he was fine with me going alone with her and he said 'of course'. Yeah, well, nothing wrong till this point, right? Right. Yesterday Noah asked if I wanted him to come with me, if he could tag along with us for the hour I thought about taking her out on the streets. I was glad he offered his company and I said 'yes'. He's my boyfriend after all and I want him to bond with Rachel in some way. We had a wonderful time and Rachel was just the cutest in the Ladybug outfit I picked out. It was natural for us to head back here, to the flat, and to be honest I wasn't expecting Harry to be home. I thought he would be at the Hospital with you. But no, he was home and I swear, he went crazy the moment we stepped through the door. I have NO IDEA what happened. He just seized Rachel from Noah's arms and glared at me. Noah obviously felt uncomfortable and decided heading to his place, I was tempted to go with him, but I knew I had to talk to Harry. I found him pouting in his room, he barely looked my way when I asked what was wrong, I had to stand in front of him and force him to look into my eyes and you know what he said? That I had no right to go out with his daughter and my boyfriend. CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS BLOODY SHIT? I just snorted at him and left the room.

I'm mad angry and hurt. I know I'm not Rachel's mother, but she feels like mine too! And I have every right to go out with her. I'm not very forgiving right now, but I know he wouldn't have said it if it wasn't Halloween. Fuck you, Halloween.

He paces inside the room, angry at himself for what he said to Hermione. The words came out of him in a rush and as he heard them out loud he understood how totally wrong they sounded. Of course Hermione can go out with Rachel, that's not the problem. He runs his hand through his hair. What's happening to me? He considered heading to St. George's to see Tessa but he was anxious for them to come back and tell him everything about the trick or treating. His heart leapt when he heard the door opening, but Ned was there, with Rachel in his arms and a costume matching Hermione's.

Harry just lost it. And what's worse is that he can't even explain why.

He groans to himself and without thinking too much he knocks on Hermione's door. Once, twice. She doesn't open. He leans his forehead against it. "Look, Hermione," His voice is trembling, "I'm sorry, okay? I don't mean what I said. Please, come on, you know I don't." He sighs. "I just snapped." He grits his teeth, his heart racing as he waits for an answer. She swings the door open and he almost falls into her, but he holds his ground at the last second. She's hurt and angry, as she should be.

"I'll only accept your apologies if you explain to me what's going on, Harry."

He enters the room, his heart still beating a million miles an hour as his mind tries to comprehend why he's so nervous, why Ned's presence infuriates him so much and what it all means. And can he even share this with Hermione? What she's going to think? Feel? He's not even sure of what 'this' is. She crosses her arms and waits. He wets his lips, sighing.

"It's Halloween." He states and she raises an eyebrow, not buying it. "It's not an easy day for me and I guess I felt like I should be the one spending it with Rachel." Terrible. "Not that you shouldn't!" He says fast. "It's just-" He purses his lips.

"So, the problem is Noah." He doesn't answer, his eyes on the floor. "Why? Because I've noticed how you look at him since the first time you met, Harry."

He raises his head at that. "And how is that?"

"Like you want to hex him. Repeatedly." She's serious and it frightens him that he couldn't hide what he was feeling.

"I-" He looks at her with his mouth open, their eyes meeting and a new rush going through him. He has no idea what to say to her. Come on, Harry, it's Hermione. Your best friend. Be honest. "Hermione, I don't know what's happening."

"What do you mean, Harry?" Her voice is soft now and she looks… scared.

"I guess I don't like Noah." He shrugs.

"Why? Since you didn't even bother talking to him I'm curious to know your reasons for not liking him."

He stops at that. Yeah, now what? He paces inside the room, pouting, not sure of what to say. He can't think of a single solid reason why he doesn't like Ned. He seems to be nice and Hermione is happy.

Harry purses his lips, the silence stretching between them and a new fire lighting inside him. He looks back at Hermione and takes a step in her direction, then another. She widens her eyes and he stops. The moment feels different. Not like any other they ever shared. She clears her throat and says:

"Look, I get it that you might feel strange with Noah around." He raises an eyebrow in question. She does? "We've been living and raising a child together, Harry. We fell into a routine with everything very clear in front of us and I'm aware that when things started getting a little more serious with Noah I wasn't here as much." He nods, thinking about the day he boxed Tessa's things and a lot others. "But I assure you that my relationship won't come first. Rachel is my priority and I'll always be here for her whenever she needs me, you don't have to worry about that, okay? So, please, don't feel like Noah is a threat to my love for her or something."

Harry is chewing the inside of his cheeks. Hermione's words make sense. He's been stressing about this for more than a month already and maybe she's right, maybe he felt like Noah could become Hermione's priority and Harry only wants his daughter to be happy… and he knows how much she loves Hermione. He slowly opens a smile. He didn't know what was happening, but as always, Hermione helped him see what he couldn't on his own. He exhales, relieved.

"Hermione, you're right and I'm sorry for acting like a dick." They chuckle. "It's just that Rachel already lost so much and… she can't lose you too." She shakes her head vehemently.

"She'll never lose me, Harry."

She closes the space between them and hugs him tightly. The strangeness of the moment fading away. Harry's heart lighter now that he understands his feelings a little better. Because what Hermione said makes sense, right?

November 15th, 2001

More than five months without you, Tess. And something very awkward happened yesterday. I don't even know how to say this to you, but Rachel called me 'mama'. It was out of the blue and I swear I haven't been encouraging her. We were alone and Harry doesn't know about it. I think I won't tell him either, I guess it was just a one time thing that won't ever happen again. I would never take your place. Never.

I'm trying to visit you as often as I can, but I'm taking more hours at the Hospital, so it's been hard, yet Noah came with me to see you the other day. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think he might be a keeper. He makes me happy, Tess. A happiness I thought I wouldn't feel again. I wish you could meet him, you always knew when a man was just fooling around or not. You know, at first Harry didn't like him at all, but after our fight on Halloween he's been more open to Noah, talking to him and actually becoming his 'friend'. I understood Harry was worried about how my relationship with Noah could mess with my responsibility towards Rachel. But she'll always come first, no matter what.

And she's so big. Rachel is growing up so fast I'm scared to realize how time is slipping through my fingers. The weeks go by in a blur and when I notice she already knows a ton of new things. Harry is a wonderful father like I was sure he would be. He takes care of her with a smile on his face regardless his tiredness. They understand each other and it's really amazing to watch. It breaks my heart you aren't here. But I know you'll some day. I feel it, Tess and I'll never stop hoping.

November 27th, 2001

Hermione is spending the night with Ned at the flat, so, Harry felt the need to come and visit Draco and Ginny. Yes, he accepts Ned more now, but even after talking with Hermione and understanding his concern with how this relationship might affect Rachel, he can't help finding Ned's presence annoying. And he's sure as hell not enduring a night with him attached to Hermione on the couch while they watch some Disney movie with Rachel. And maybe he needs this. Some time alone with friends, child free.

It's impossible not to feel excited as he knocks on Draco and Ginny's door. He loves Rachel more than he can even comprehend, but he's still Harry and he needs some time of his own that doesn't consist on him mopping by Tessa's hospital bed.

Draco opens the door already holding a beer to him and smiling. "Come in, Potter. There's a Quidditch game for us to watch." Harry chuckles and takes the beer.

Ginny is sitting on the couch and eating a few candies and as Harry gazes at the big screen reproducing the game, he thinks she couldn't look more muggle than that. They're both wearing Draco's Team uniforms and the seeker is excited to watch a decisive match between his adversaries. Harry sits by his side as he greets Ginny and she smiles, her eyes narrowing at him strangely.

"Hermione is alone with Rachel?" She asks.

"Noah is there." Is Harry's answer as he sips on his beer. Ginny nods, a side smile on her face.

"They're pretty serious." She states. "It's been what? Three months?" Harry shrugs and doesn't say anything… it's been a bit more than three months.

"Merlin, I'm happy I can at least say I'm better looking than their seeker. Look at that guy!" Draco is laughing and pointing, obviously drunk.

"Yes, love, you're better looking, but you know he's a better seeker than you, right?"

"GINEVRA!" Draco exclaims with his eyes wide. "How dare you?" His tone is playful. "My own girlfriend!" She blows him a kiss in response.

"What? You have to work harder if you want to beat him. I love you, so, I won't lie to you just to inflate your already gigantic ego." She rolls her eyes and Draco gaps at Harry, baffled.

And Harry laughs at them. He shakes his head and takes a deep breath, enjoying himself and the game.

Only later when he's getting up and ready to leave, Draco says to him, "Come to my next match. It's the last one of the season before the holidays." Draco points a finger at him. "And I want you to stay for the after party." Harry frowns at that.

"I'm not sure I-"

"Harry," Draco raises his hands. Ginny is watching them. "You have to go out. You have to get drunk and hook up." Ginny snorts. "I'm serious!" Draco yells a little. "When was the last time you had sex, man?" Harry shakes his head, a little uncomfortable, it was with Tessa, so long ago he's not sure he knows how to anymore. "See!" Draco says, turning to Ginny. He puts a hand on Harry's shoulder. "I understand your situation with Tessa and I get how awful it is, but you can't wait for her forever. And look, I'm not saying you should date or marry the first woman you see. It's just sex and I know you need it! Don't lie to me!"

Harry glances at Ginny, asking for some support, but she shrugs. "I'm sorry, Harry, I think he's kinda of right."

"I'm fine." He says but he doesn't believe his own words. He can't deny he's been thinking a lot about sex, about hooking up. He knows it would at least help him vent some of his frustrations. But Tessa always comes to his mind and he squashes down this need. But it's been a long while and he wouldn't be cheating on her. Right? Because he knows for sure that if Tessa was there, they would be together. He moves from one foot to another, fidgeting with the bottle of beer in his hand. "Yeah, okay. I guess it wouldn't hurt to stay a little."

Draco opens the biggest smile. "That's the spirit! Let's have some fun, Potter!" Harry laughs again. Yeah, I might need it.

December 20th, 2001

Hermione never got why most wizards enjoy Quidditch so much. Yeah, okay, they're all flying, beating themselves up and scoring points but she just thinks it's dumb. If she's truly honest with herself she watched those games in Hogwarts because of Harry… and then Ron. But that was it. However, now that she's cheering on the stands with Noah by one side and Harry by the other while he holds Rachel, she can't help really enjoying the moment. Noah is over the moon with the invitation Draco gave them and Harry is like a child in a candy store.

So, she's happy.

Harry told her he might stay for the after party and she said she would take care of Rachel, of course, she wants him to have some fun, he's been sulking and swamping himself with anything that regards Rachel to avoid living other things or meeting new people. Since she gave herself and Noah a chance, she wants Harry to give himself one too. It's obvious Tessa crosses her mind, but it would be unfair to hold this against Harry. Tessa might never wake up and he can't keep his life on hold for so long. It pains her to think this, but he's well and alive…

When Draco's Team scores again she laughs loudly at Rachel's excitement, turning to look at the little girl and meeting Harry's bright eyes. He's so happy. It warms her heart the way he's smiling and cheering, free and fiercely. Sometimes when he's like this Hermione fears she might lose herself in his happiness. There's nothing she wants more right now than to see him like that. And she's hypnotized by it, by the way he smiles and yells, by how Rachel tries mimicking his actions and ends up giggling crazily. Hermione feels draw to them, her eyes glued on both, the game forgotten. She purses her lips, her heart beating faster, the memory of the way Harry looked at her when they had that argument on Halloween crossing her mind unbidden. Something about the way he walked towards her giving her goosebumps. She tries not dwelling on it, but sometimes she can't help thinking about what might have happened if she hadn't-

Noah's hand grips hers, turning her attention and thoughts to him. She smiles at him and they share a brief kiss. Her brain screams at her the word: 'boyfriend', and all thoughts about Harry and such vanish from her mind. Harry is just her best friend, and it happens that they're living together, she knows things might seem confusing at times. There's nothing more to it. Right?

Hermione left with Rachel and Ned as soon as the match ended - with Draco's Team victory - and he would be lying if he said he's not having fun. At first his mind was set on staying for an hour, but it's been two hours and he's nowhere near leaving. Right now he's having a more than fun conversation with one of Draco's teammates. Her name is Sofia and Harry is fixed on her words and the way her mouth moves as she talks. She's absolutely beautiful. The kind of beautiful no one can deny, that kind that's even a little unfair to others. And she seems very interested in Harry. It takes him a lot to admit that he's interest in her too, to be honest, since the match started his gaze fell on her and he kept track of her the entirety of it. She's blond with black eyes and a dashing smile. Not to mention her body…

Maybe Draco was right. He's having a hard time concentrating on anything other than her full lips, round breasts and sculpted waist. He finds himself thinking about squeezing her thighs and he's sure she notices because she leans closer to him, their bodies almost touching.

"Do you wanna go somewhere else? A little more private, maybe?" She asks and he blinks, surprised.

He has no idea what they were talking about before this, but now she has his full attention. He sips on his drink, buying himself some time to ponder. The honest answer: yes. The rational answer: no. He fears he might feel guilty if he gives in to this desire… but can he actually keep going like this? Alone with Rachel, hoping and waiting for Tessa to wake up? And just by the way Sofia is smiling he knows it's going to be a one time thing, he's not tying himself to her or anything like that. It's just sex.

He shuts down the rational voice inside him and takes Sofia's hand, nodding. Maybe it's time for him to live a little. Even if it feels like he's letting go of something.