May 1st, 2003

After Rachel turned three their routine changed drastically. She stays at the Private Wizarding School from 9am until 4pm. Harry is able to attend his cooking lessons with spare time and Hermione changed her shifts in a way that she's only at the Hospital from 6am to noon. Harry is always the one who takes Rachel to School and Hermione is the one who fetches her. And even if they both miss having Rachel all the time, they can't deny it's been fun and liberating to adjust to this new reality.

So, now, they're always home at night. Always together in the afternoons. And Rachel is also happy with this new development. Yes, she cried at first. Hermione's heart still hurts when she thinks about Rachel's first day. She and Harry walked the little girl to the door and she was reluctant to let go of them, but the nice headmistress lured Rachel in. They got to stay for half an hour until Rachel was comfortable enough. However, when they left, they heard her crying and calling to them, Harry almost turned back and gave up on the idea. Hermione stopped him and said they had to at least try for a week.

And she was right. At the end of the first week Rachel was heading inside without even glancing back at them. It was maybe their first encounter with a cruel reality: You raise your kids to the world, not for yourself.

And now it's been almost a month. And things are sailing smoothly.

When she apparates inside, the first thing she perceives is the smell. Harry is cooking. As he always is when she gets home. With a smile on her face and taking off her coat she looks up at the kitchen. He's there, focused and unaware of her presence. He's been learning all kinds of new techniques and skills. Currently he's taking muggle cooking classes, but he already told Hermione he'll try some magical ones. She's curious to discover the difference between them.

Hermione observes him for a while. Things between them have been… good - in lack of a better word. She could say amazing or warm. Or even delicious. But she's sticking with good. Good because Harry is slowly mending her heart, putting the pieces back together just by showing her that what he said at Rachel's birthday is true. He's showing her how much he wants her, how much he cares about her, and mainly how very much in love he is with her.

Hermione sometimes catches herself daydreaming at the Hospital. She can't help thinking about the way he is always touching her or trying to make her laugh. She is always counting down the hours to be with him and when they're together is like she never gets enough of him.

She's madly in love.

But yet, she resists.

Whenever they're too close she takes a step back. Whenever she feels that she's getting too carried away, she excuses herself. Harry and Rachel are… everything she always wanted. The life she would imagine for herself when she thought about having her own family. In her eyes Harry couldn't be more perfect. It's like he fits every demand she could ever have when it comes to a partner. And Rachel is indeed the perfect child, sweet, affectionate, obedient and incredibly happy. It's like living a dream.

A dream she still considers to be another woman's. Tessa's dream. Tessa's family. Tessa's life. Tessa, Tessa, Tessa. Her cousin. Who grew up with her like a sister and then shared with Hermione her pregnancy and the first year in Rachel's life. Her cousin who tragically can't be there with them, but it's always in Hermione's mind, always in her thoughts and prayers.

However, it's not like she doesn't believe in Harry's feelings. She's only being cautious. What if he wakes someday by her side and realizes he wished she were someone else? What that would do to their relationship? She needs to be sure. He needs to be sure. Maybe his infatuation with her will go away before something more can even happen between them… there's no way of knowing.

But until then, or until her own feelings change, they play this… game. It's like Harry is determined to sweep her off her feet. Even if she's been shutting him down non stop for a month now.

Harry finally looks up from whatever he's cooking and opens the biggest smile when he sees her. "Honey, you're home!" He says excitedly. That's been another joke he started and she couldn't find in herself to stop it.

"What's for lunch, darling?" She plays along as she enters the kitchen. She widens her eyes. "Are we having guests?" She asks and he frowns.

"What?" Then he looks at the isle and counter and laughs out loud. "No! I- I keep getting something wrong! I haven't figured out exactly what yet."

There are at least six cottage pies laying about. "So you'll just keep baking them until you do?"

He shrugs. "Yes?" Hermione laughs.

"Merlin, Harry." She moves close to one of the pies and fetches a fork. She digs in and when her mouth is full of flavors she turns to him. "Are you crazy? This is bloody delicious."

"Really?" He cocks his head, not fully believing her. "Let me try it again, then." He comes and stands right in front of her, one of his hands on her waist, possessively. He opens his mouth and she shakes her head as she seizes another bite. He closes his mouth around the fork and she inhales deeply. He chews slowly, his eyes going over the ceiling then the floor as he considers the flavors. His hand squeezes her waist. "I need another bite." She purses her lips.

"You're unbelievable."

He opens his mouth in response, waiting. And she obliges. As he chews he takes yet another step to her. "You may be right." He says after a while. "It is bloody delicious." He frowns. "Why I thought it tasted off? Well…" He shrugs and finally releases her, walking back to the pie he was getting ready to send to the oven. "This will be the last one then."

Hermione sits down on a stool and sends out a patronus to Draco and Ginny saying that Harry had a 'Molly Weasley moment' and asking if they want some pie. In a matter of minutes Ginny apparates to their flat, smiling.

"Cottage pie?" She asks as she enters the kitchen. "It's my favorite!" She exclaims while she grabs some. Harry smiles and excuses himself. He needs to take a shower, he has a class in a hour.

Before he leaves the kitchen, though, he stops by Hermione's and softly kisses her cheek, his eyes on hers as if Ginny doesn't even exist. "See you later?" He asks, smiling. She nods and he gently squeezes her shoulder.

Hermione can feel herself blushing, her neck hot. She looks at Ginny. Her friend is eating with her eyes on the plate, but Hermione can tell how hard she's trying not to burst out in laughter. "Yeah, okay, you're a terrible friend." Ginny finally laughs.

"Oh, Hermione, I'm sorry." She keeps eating and laughing. "How is your plan of resisting Harry going?"

Hermione purses her lips. "He makes things pretty hard." She says through gritted teeth.

"I can see that." There's a glint in Ginny's eyes. "You know, it's nice to see him this way. As a former girlfriend I shouldn't admit this but, I've never seen him looking at someone the way he looks at you."

Hermione sighs. "I have." She says in a low voice.

Ginny grunts. "You need to let Tessa go, Hermione. It's in the past."

"She's my cousin, Gin. If she was some random ex I know for a fact that we would be together by now, but it's not that simple… there's a sense of guilt that-"

"Why are you denying yourself happiness?"

Hermione blinks, taken aback. "I am happy!" She says fast. And indeed she is.

"Okay, but you could be happier." Ginny points out. "I mean, you don't doubt his feelings anymore, do you?"

She clicks her tongue. "No. Well, before I thought it was nothing more than a physical attraction, but now… it's about affection and," She moves her hands, seeking for a word, "nurturing." She smiles. "I just want to be cautious. I feel like I rushed things the last time and it blew up on my face."

Ginny leans closer at that. "There's nothing wrong in being cautious, but," She raises a finger, "if I was still being cautious around Draco we wouldn't be getting married in November." Ginny smiles and shows Hermione her fork filled with pie. "Food for thought, Hermione, food for thought."

Indeed.

Harry enters the flat with a smile on his face. Recently he's always smiling. It's undeniable how he enjoys provoking Hermione, at this point he already knows exactly where to touch her to make her soft on her knees. He also knows that if he gets very close and holds her gaze, she'll blush. And man, he loves that blush. He loves the way it begins at her neck and spreads discreetly across her cheeks. Yeah, it's a fact she always takes that step back, the same way their interactions never come from her, but still… he understands.

And just as he said to her, he'll be there when she changes her mind. Until then, though, he's having a blast.

"Honey, I'm home!" He calls out to the flat as he leaves his keys at the entrance. It's past 6pm, his class took longer than he thought it would. He frowns as there's no answer to his call. Usually Rachel is already running to him and Hermione is smiling saying her ironic 'How was the class, darling?'. "Hello?" He calls again, slowly moving inside. He finally notices that the flat is dark. Empty. He clicks his tongue, maybe Hermione went to the park with Rachel after School and they're still there. "Rach? Hermione?" His voice is a tad louder now, without his consent a chill runs down his spine. Suddenly, he's afraid. "Hermione!"

His Auror training kicks in and he walks fast inside, in a blur he enters all rooms searching for them. There's not a note from Hermione, a patronus, nothing. He doesn't know what to think. A million possibilities go through his mind and he runs a hand through his hair trying to calm himself down. It's nothing. Nothing happened. They'll be home soon.

He grunts and sends out a patronus. He waits for a few minutes, but there's no answer and already insanely impatient, he sends out another one, this time to Ginny. She was there earlier, maybe she knows something. Her answer is not what Harry was expecting, though. She left after an hour and as far as she knew Hermione would be fetching Rachel at 4pm as usual.

Harry's heart is racing. "Shit." He curses under his breath. He can feel the despair seizing his brain and emotions, but he takes three deep breaths. He's shaking. He needs to think rationally. In a second he's imagining the path from home to the School, thinking about blind spots. He needs to go over there and look for them himself-

The door clicks open and he turns so fast he almost falls.

Hermione is there with Rachel.

He doesn't say a thing, he just take two long strides to them and hugs both tightly, some tears falling out of his eyes. He never felt such relief before. He kisses Rachel's head and she lets out a high pitched "Dada!" already jumping to his arms. He kisses her again. While holding her in one arm, his other one is around Hermione's waist. One of her hands is at his nape and he finally looks at her. He sighs, happy to meet her eyes. He bumps her nose with his, kissing her cheek then. "Where were you?" His voice is barely there.

"It's okay, Harry." She gives him a kiss on the cheek and her nails massage his scalp. But she moves back and away from his arms, closing the door. He hesitates. He wants to hold her again but he can feel she won't let him, so, he stays put. Rachel is already trying to get down from his arms and he lets her.

Hermione looks down, her lips pressed together. She massages her temple. "Hermione, what happened?"

"I-" She's avoiding his eyes and he pockets his hands trying to be patient. "I had just picked Rachel up and… my mobile rang." Then she looks up at him. He tries his best not to have a reaction, but he feels his heart beating faster, his eyes widening.

"And?" He asks too eagerly and she closes her eyes.

"They wanted to tell me that Tessa is breathing without any help from the machines now."

"And what does that mean, exactly?" His voice is steady.

"Well, it could mean progress. Or not. Just like the time she moved and opened her eyes, it's hard to tell. In a way it's amazing she's breathing on her own, but it doesn't necessarily mean she'll wake." Hermione shrugs and crosses her arms, bracing herself.

Harry nods, understanding. But his mind at the moment can't quite focus on Tessa. He's still on an adrenaline rush from the scare of not meeting them at home. He lets out a long breath. "Okay. But why didn't you warn me?" She seems taken aback. "I was freaking out imagining the worst things ever-"

"I'm sorry. I just… after the call I went to St. George's with Rachel and we stayed there for a while, and then I had to run a few errands and when I noticed it was already pretty late, so we came back."

"Shit, Hermione. I was losing my mind." He runs a hand through his hair. "Don't to that again, ever." And without her consent he moves to hold her, his arms around her waist, his forehead on hers. "Merlin." He just breathes her in.

"I- It was my mistake, Harry. I should have sent a patronus, but I was so shaken by the call that-"

"Shh." He says and brushes his cheek against hers, gently. He knows she loves this. In a second Hermione uncrosses her arms and they go around his neck, bringing him impossibly closer. "I'm just freaking glad you're okay." He swallows the lump in his throat. "I never felt so desperate." He doesn't want to cry again. She kisses his neck and his hands dig deeper in her body.

"I'm sorry." She says again.

He shakes his head and moves to look into her eyes. That fire, the one he knows so well, is there. She wants him just as much as he wants her and Harry can't help wondering why she's still resisting so vehemently. He leans gently and kisses one corner of her mouth. Then the other. "Tell me to stop." He says. For a moment she stays quiet and he gets his hopes up, but fast enough she presses a hand against his chest, moving away.

"Harry." She sounds in pain.

"Why you resist so much, Hermione?" He asks gently.

"Because… right now you're shaken by what happened, I-"

"Dada! I'm hungry!" Rachel calls to him and they turn their attention to the little girl. Harry knows their moment is over. He sighs and heads to the kitchen with Rachel. Hermione moves to her room and they do a pretty good job at ignoring what happened.

Only later Harry thinks about Tessa. He smiles. It gives him hope that she'll wake. And that's pretty amazing.

May 16th, 2003

The day she gives in a little to Harry starts in a frenzy.

Her alarm didn't work and she woke thirty minutes late. Hermione had to do all her morning routine in five minutes while Harry laughed his ass off. Since he started working out with Draco he's always up in the mornings when she's about to leave. It pisses her off a little that when she's leaving for work he already showered from what was probably an intense exercise. She still has printed on her mind the day she woke fifteen minutes earlier and he was having a smoothie still wearing his training clothes. The way his shirt clung to his body from all the sweat was just…

After flipping him off she apparated to St. Mungo's and it was like hell had broken loose at the place. Apparently an underground magical music festival was happening and a very unintelligent man tried a spell to give the show a little flare - with actual fire - at the end of the show. At 5am. But it got out of control since he didn't know how to keep it under his command. The place practically exploded and Hermione is sure she never saw the Hospital so full. Every patient is around 20-25 years old and they look like they took something they shouldn't, which complicates their treatment. She's just extremely pissed.

And that was not even the worst. Since this was an extraordinary situation, the Head of the Hospital asked for all healers on duty to stay until 6pm. A 12-hour shift. Something she hadn't done in a while. And when she told Harry he answered with a patronus that clearly showed all his sadness for not having her home earlier. It pissed her even more, because now she was certain she was addicted to Harry. Even a few hours without him was too much.

However, to her surprise, her day took a nice turn at 5:30pm.

Hermione sighs. The chaos is finally over and she's taking a more than earned rest at the cafeteria. She has to wait until 6pm because it's protocol, but as she sips her coffee a patronus reaches her.

"Healer Granger, you're being requested at the Emergency Room."

Frowning, she walks fast to the ER just to meet… Harry. He's there with Rachel, a smile playing on his lips. She immediately knows there's nothing wrong. Hiding her smile and turning to the helper she says:

"What's the issue here?"

The helper turns to her. "Mr Potter claims he's not feeling well, Healer Granger. I tried to examine him, but he said he would only allow you to do it."

Keeping her face straight Hermione dismisses the helper. Harry and Rachel are sitting side by side, both extremely quiet and with an air of total mischief around them. She thinks her heart might burst from love.

Hermione decides to play his game. "So, Mr Potter," Rachel giggles. "What exactly are you feeling?"

"I was just saying to my daughter, Healer Granger," The little girl giggles again, finding it extremely funny the formal way they're treating each other, "that I have a constant pain in my chest." He presses a hand above his heart. "Am I dying?" He asks dramatically.

Holding back a laugh, she says, "Well, let's see." Hermione moves her wand in front of him and all his vitals appear. "You seem to be well, Mr Potter."

"Are you sure? Don't you have to touch me or something? I can feel a fever coming up." He presses his lips together, his eyes heavy on her.

She bites her lower lip and moves closer to him. Harry takes her hand, tugging at it, positioning her between his open legs. She doesn't put up any kind of resistance. On the contrary, raising her hand she rests it on his neck. Then his forehead. As his vitals are still there above his head she can see how their proximity accelerates his heartbeats. Hers also.

"So?" He asks. Rachel is still quiet and trying to muffle her giggles by Harry's side. "I mean, it hurts here." He seizes her hand and moves down to his chest, stopping above his heart.

"How long have you been feeling this way? When the symptom started?"

He pretends to think. Hermione can not only see how wildly his heart is beating she can also feel under her palm. "I think it started exactly four months ago." She raises an eyebrow. Is he saying something?… January. When he said he wasn't sure if he was in love with her.

Hermione clears her throat. "Well, Mr Potter. I think you might be a mystery to healers. You tell me it hurts but there's nothing physically wrong with you."

"Are you sure, Healer Granger?" And the way he drags his voice… "Well, if you say so, I believe." He turns to Rachel. "Right, pumpkin?" Rachel nods. "But," He raises a finger, "I think I might need some kind of healing. Just to be sure."

Hermione narrows her eyes. "Really?"

"Yes, of course. I mean I came all the way to the Hospital." He rolls his eyes, joking. "Sweetie," There's a glint in his eyes, "What kind of healing you think would be fitting?"

Rachel looks at them, her eyes big, then she says, "A kiss!" And claps her hands.

Harry holds back a laugh. "That's right, baby, when you hurt yourself, your mama gives you a kiss to heal it, doesn't she?"

Hermione can't believe him. The lengths he may go to get a kiss from her. She would normally laugh and end their exchange, but… she was just thinking about them and Harry showed up at the ER as if he was also missing her… Hermione leans to him. She knows she's at work, but no one will disturb them or see what's happening behind the curtains. Harry's hands rest on her waist. She pretends she's giving him a kiss on the lips, but then she turns her head at the last minute and kisses his cheek. Harry sighs.

"Do you think that's enough, Rachel?" He asks as Hermione pulls back.

"No! More!"

"Exactly!" Harry says. "Just like mama does to you!"

Hermione tilts her head. "Harry." She warns him.

"Healer Granger!" He fakes outrage. "I'm sorry, maybe you don't know how Rachel's mama heals her. Here, let me show you." He perks up and holding her face starts to spread little kisses all over it. On her jaw, then her cheek, her nose, her forehead, her other cheek. "See?" He smiles. "Are you hot, Healer?" Hermione wants to grunt. She's blushing, her neck on fire. "Look, you don't have to give me all these kisses, okay? Just one here," He presses his index finger against his lips, "is enough."

Now he's just defying her. Hermione can see that he truly believes she won't kiss him and he probably already has some kind of sassy retort prepared. But she smiles. And before he can register it she kisses him. Rachel claps. In her mind it was supposed to be just a peck, but Harry's arms bring her closer to him after his initial shock. They both sigh and he slowly moves his lips, trying to prolong the kiss. She opens her mouth slightly. She missed this contact. So much.

But then she remembers herself and pulls back abruptly.

He stands there, baffled, his arms still up as if he was still holding her. He blinks. Hermione smiles. His heart is beating really fast. "Ow there, Mr Potter, you need to calm down or you might have a heart attack." She jokes. He opens and closes his mouth. "Hope you feel better." She winks at him and before leaving she gives Rachel a kiss. "I'll be home soon, pumpkin."

She hears him chuckling while she walks away. Her whole being floating.

May 29th, 2003

Harry sighs. Rachel come all the way from School in a foul mood. He has no idea what to do, neither does Hermione who already tried everything. She doesn't want to eat with them or talk. And now they're considering giving her a bath but Harry is not sure they'll be able to do it.

"Is she sick?" Harry asks Hermione when she comes from Rachel's room.

"No, she's fine." There's a wrinkle between her brows. "She doesn't want to take a bath, though."

"A relaxing one then?" He asks and she nods.

A little while later, when he enters Rachel's room he feels… different. There's something in the air. The little girl is sitting on her bed, watching her dangling feet. "Sweetie, what's wrong?" He crouches in front of her, but Rachel turns away from him. Harry can see she's been crying. It cuts his heart open. "Let's take a bath, pumpkin." Harry tries reaching for her, but the moment he touches her skin he feels it burning him. Harry pulls his hand back, not understanding. "Hermione!"

She's there in a blink. "What?"

"Touch her." He says.

Hermione crouches by his side, also trying to talk to Rachel, but there's no response. They share a worried look and she touches the little girl. Harry sees the exact moment she feels the burn, recoiling.

"I don't understand." She murmurs. Hermione raises her wand and Harry watches Rachel's vitals. "She's fine. This is not a fever…" Hermione trails. "Unless… of course." She shakes her head, sighing.

"What? What?" He hates when she already knows what's happening and he has no clue at all.

"It's her magical awakening, Harry." He frowns, not aware there was such a thing. "We were raised as muggles and my parents probably treated it like a fever, and your aunt and uncle…" She moves her hand, dismissing the topic. "She's growing up and getting in touch with her magic at the School, this is supposed to happen. I can't believe I forgot about it."

"Okaaaay. What do we do?"

Hermione shrugs. "Nothing. She must be feeling a little strange. We can just be here for her." Hermione stands up and Harry watches as she lies down on Rachel's bed and open her arms to the little girl. "Come here, my baby." Rachel finally responds to that, crying a little and nestling herself into Hermione's arms. "It's okay, everything is fine." He watches with a heart full of love while his girls embrace each other.

"Maybe you can convince her to eat? I'll-" He clears his throat. "I'll cook us something… Hot?"

Hermione nods at him. "I'll call you if she feels up to a bath, okay?" He nods.

He decides to make some soup. When he's at the kitchen his mind works better, very close to the feel he gets when flying. He moves comfortably between the counter and the isle. Since he took over, Hermione never tried cooking again. And he doesn't mind at all, he enjoys it. He whistles a little, his mood loads better after having some kind of answer to Rachel's odd behavior. He doesn't remember his magical awakening, in fact, he had no idea this was a thing, but it makes sense. He can't express how thankful he is that Hermione is there.

He smiles. The memory of the kiss she gave him at the Hospital still very vivid. It was perfect. It's like the strong wall around her finally cracked a little. And if it's up to him he will tear it down completely, he only hopes she lets him. Nothing happened between them after that, just their usual jokes that Harry is growing fonder and fonder. His stomach tightens every time she calls him 'darling', 'dear', 'honey'.

He's always daydreaming about holding her hand and kissing her whenever he feels like it.

He wants to wake up next to her. It's his obsession since they fell asleep in the tent on Rachel's birthday. He woke first and when he opened his eyes she was there. Right there. So beautiful. Whenever he looks at her he gets a warm feeling he can't quite describe, the closest he came to a word for it was… belonging. They belong together. He can't imagine himself with any other woman or living another life that not this one. With her.

He knows Tessa is still an issue for Hermione and he wished more than anything he could find a way to prove to her - definitely - that it's really not. Tessa holds a special place in his life, it was like they were supposed to meet just so Rachel could exist and he's fine with it. They lived a strong passion. Crazy. However, what he shares with Hermione is not just a passion… it's love. Everlasting love. Care. Respect. Trust. Admiration. Desire. Everything she once said to him were necessary in a relationship to work. And he can't believe his luck. She's also his best friend and so damn amazing.

"What's that smile?" She asks him as she comes into the kitchen with Rachel in her arms. Both smiling.

Harry shrugs. "Was just thinking about you." He gives her a side smile and she presses her lips together. "Hey, baby girl, are you feeling better?"

Rachel nods. "I'm hungry." She says with a pout and Hermione settles down on a stool with Rachel on her lap. They put their hands on top of the isle.

"What do you have for us, dada?" Hermione asks playfully.

"Well, tomato soup!" He winks at them while he magically sets the plates. Rachel squeals, it's her favorite soup.

Harry is already walking to sit in front of them, but Hermione magically puts his stool by her side. "Rachel wants us both very close, she said." He smiles and sits down by her side, the three cramped together. Harry sets a foot on the stretcher of Hermione's stool and Rachel moves to sit on both of their legs. Harry, not wanting to waste this chance of being close to Hermione, puts one arm around her shoulders, bringing her closer, pressing Rachel between them and making them laugh.

Regardless, they eat that way.

"Okay." Hermione says when they finish. "Time for a bath." Rachel shakes her head in a clear 'no'. "Come on, pumpkin, you promised me." Rachel still resists. "You'll sleep better after it, Rach." Hermione's tone is a bit more serious now and Rachel agrees, her arms going around Harry's neck.

Seizing her he walks to Hermione's bathroom. Usually Hermione gives her a bath alone, or Harry takes Rachel with him to the shower, but tonight he can feel they need to do this together. He sets his jaw when he goes through her room to reach the bathroom. It all smells of her and it's just maddening. Harry puts Rachel on the floor and begins to undress her. She sniffs. "Sweetie, it's okay." He says in a low voice. "You'll be just fine. Dada and mama are here." She nods shyly and he kisses her cheek. His heart squeezing inside his chest.

The water is already on the tub and Hermione enters the bathroom casting a warming spell to heat it just right. Without complaining Rachel enters the tub and they both sit on the floor to wash her properly. Harry knows they would cast a cleaning spell on her if she resisted the bath till the end, but it's better this way, the water has a calming effect in his opinion. And after a while she actually relaxes. Hermione smiles at him. He's about to propose to her that they sleep on the same bed, the three of them-

The water explodes up and away from the tub, drenching them and flooding the bathroom. After Harry's initial shock he calls for Rachel. However, the girl is laughing. A pure and loud laugh. He looks at Hermione. She has her mouth open and…

He registers she's wearing a white blouse and now he can see her pink lace bra and… her nipples and- he can feel himself straining against his trousers. Oh, shit. Rachel is still laughing and Hermione is… watching him. He's also wearing white. He tilts his head. She's totally checking me out too. They share an intense moment, both gazing into each other's eyes. He can see the blush coming up her neck and he bites back a groan. If it wasn't for Rachel's presence he would totally try kissing her now.

But he manages to say, "What happened?"

Hermione blinks, coming out of a daze and looking down at herself, seeing how much she's showing. She blushes even more. In a swift motion she moves her wand and all the water goes back to the tub. They're also dry again. But the image of her pink bra is printed into him like a tattoo. He sets his jaw. "I think Rachel relaxed and the magic just… came out?" She half states half asks.

Harry nods. "Makes sense." Because now Rachel looks like herself again, patting her hands on the water and smiling. His daughter wants to get out of the tub and she's raising her arms to him, but Harry still has a problem between his legs and-

Hermione saves the day as she takes Rachel. "I'll change her. Tuck her in?" She asks Harry and he nods. Then she gives him a side smile and wets her lips as she walks out. She knows pretty well why he's still on the floor and for the first time since he started his games with her, he's the one blushing.

Only after tucking Rachel in and getting into his pajamas - a shirt and his boxers - he allows himself to think of Hermione again. He sits on the bed. He wants to go to her. He wants to kiss her, make love to her. But he knows it must come from her, he doesn't want to rush anything, doesn't want to make her uncomfortable. In a way she knows pretty well his intentions, if she wants-

He hears a soft knock on his door. His heart stops. He slowly gets up from the bed and gently turns the knob.

She's really there. In just a nightgown. He inhales sharply. Hermione doesn't have to say a thing, her eyes speak volumes. He pulls her to him and the moment their lips meet-

The fire spreads between them and he presses her against the wall, both truly desperate. He slides his tongue inside her mouth, his hands going from her waist to her breasts, then to her thigh. She dishevels him while corresponding the kiss, her tongue exploring him. He moves from her mouth to her jaw, her neck and when he bites gently she moans and he wants to burst at the sound. She's so delicious he might go mad. Hiking one of her legs up he moves even closer to her, their bodies touching everywhere. Then he slides his open mouth all the way down to her breast. He wants to take her nipples into his mouth again but Hermione tugs at his hair, kissing him with passion. Harry involuntarily moves his hips into hers, his body begging for the contact. He's already hard. One of her hands slides down his stomach and goes past his waistband. She strokes him above his underwear and he grunts, biting her lower lip, sucking it a bit. And then she moves her hand up again to his stomach, trying to squeeze his abs. They half chuckle at it while she mumbles something about him being ripped. Then when her hand goes down again it goes inside his underwear and Harry hisses, breathing hard. It's the first time she touches him this way.

He groans at her ministrations. She's biting and sucking at his neck while her thumb presses slightly at the tip of his cock and she spreads some pre-cum along his length.

"How much do you want me?" She provokes him, biting his lobe. He can't think of a rational answer, but he knows that if she keeps doing what she's doing they won't enjoy this as much as they could.

"Hermione." He moans her name.

"Hm?" It's her answer just before she kisses him again, her hand still stroking him.

Harry stops her movements and they break the kiss, watching each other. "Tell me what you want." He manages to say as he brings her hands above her head, one of his holding both her wrists. He never thought he would be able to control himself this much, but his need to fulfill her desire is bigger than his own. "I'll do whatever you want me to."

She lets out a long breath then, her eyes dark. She moves her head forward and kisses him again, their lips fitting perfectly. When she pulls back she says, "Make love to me."

He opens a silly smile. "Yeah?"

"Yeah." She smiles back at him.

She doesn't have to ask twice.

He runs his hands from her wrists down to her armpits then across her sides and stop at the hem of her nightgown. He can see the goosebumps along her skin and he starts to pull the piece of clothing up and off her head. He takes a deep breath with the sight of her only in a tiny panties. His cock twitches inside his boxers and he groans. Harry pulls his own shirt off and toss it aside. She's a vision, he's bewitched. Hermione presses a hand against his chest and makes him move backwards, to the bed. When they reach it he sits down and pulls her to him. Hermione straddles him and their mouths find each other again. This kiss is slower, exploring. Harry is feeling a thousand things at once and he can't be sure what he loves the most. The way their bare torsos are touching, how soft her lips are, her smell engulfing him completely, how her hands, on his hair and back, touch him like a caress but at the same time in a provocative way. Or he's not even sure if he enjoys squeezing her flesh or just feeling her hard nipples on his palm. It's hard to decide.

They break the kiss. "I've been thinking about this incessantly." He says in a low voice. He moves to kiss her jaw, their cheeks rubbing together in a way of reassuring the other. "I'm crazy about you." He says again and they share a look. Maybe for the first time Hermione is the one who bumps her nose into his and something swells inside his chest, his stomach doing somersaults.

Harry flips them and lays Hermione on the bed, his mouth already going down from her neck. He takes one nipple in his mouth and she closes her eyes, her hands on his hair. He can tell she's pretty sensitive to his kisses and touches and when he softly pinches her other nipple she moans. Taking a moment from what he thinks will be his favorite thing ever - taking her nipples into his mouth - he asks, "Do you like this, Hermione?" His voice is so hoarse now, he's trying his best not to come undone immediately.

"Yes." She says in a low voice, biting her bottom lip after.

He swirls his tongue and gently sucks. "And this?" Not that he hasn't done any of this before, he remembers pretty well what they did on the couch, but he finds himself wanting to hear from her what she wants, what she likes, how does it all feel.

"Yes!" She's breathless now. He doesn't resist kissing her swollen mouth again and they share a heated kiss. Their bodies rubbing against each other, seeking for a friction they've been wanting for a long time.

Not being able to hold himself any longer, he moves down. He kisses her stomach, nuzzling, his hands already seeking her panties and pushing it down her legs. Hermione moves her hips, helping him and Harry just stops when she's really naked in front of him. It's like his brain shuts down.

"Like what you see, darling?" She's half joking, half serious. The 'darling' coming out of her mouth seductively.

Harry shakes his head. "You'll be the death of me, honey."

They smile at each other, the endearment words they've been using for the past months sounding very fitting. One of his hands that is resting on her thigh moves up and inward, Hermione tenses a little and he narrows his eyes, his fingers extremely close to her entrance. She's trembling under his touch. He leans over her, his mouth seeking hers as his hand keeps moving, teasing. "Relax, love." He says, their lips together. She kisses him hard when his thumb finds her clit. And then he slides one finger inside her and she's so wet- He purses his lips, breathing hard. She's warm and delicious and so tight he might go crazy. Easing his finger in and out, he keeps kissing her, his thumb circling her clit, her chest rising and falling fast. He adds another finger, testing, trying to know her this way also. Then he's sure he hits a soft spot because she arches her back completely and he feels good with himself. "Good?"

"Mm-hmmm." She's not even able to put into words and he does it again. She digs her nails into his back and Harry marvels at it. He can't stop himself from finding this involuntary reaction the sexiest thing ever. It's like she's holding on to dear life, and he's this life, the one keeping her there as her nails dig into him. He doesn't stop his ministrations and when she moves her head back, her mouth slightly open her eyes closed, her walls closing around his fingers, he knows she's close.

"Look at me." He says. He wants to see her. He needs to.

She obliges and he sees the exact moment she comes. She bites hard on her bottom lip and holds a moan at the back of her throat, her whole body tensing, her back arching and then… bliss. Harry has no idea how he's still sane. She brings him down to her, their mouths meeting seductively. He's trying his best to control himself to give her the best experience ever, but Hermione seems to have other plans when, after resting for a while, she moves her hands to his butt.

"I love your ass." She says bluntly and they share a laugh. He bites on her neck.

"I have a nice ass." He's feeling smug.

She's trying to push down his boxers but his erection is not helping and he holds a little laugh when she grunts, annoyed, magically getting rid of his underwear. "Stupid piece of clothe." She mumbles and he kisses her. He can't help thinking how incredible and natural their encounter is. Intimate. Powerful in a way. But why wouldn't it be this way?

It's them.

There are still numerous things he wants to do with her, but when his cock is finally free, he knows he won't be able to do anything else than be inside her. And apparently her mind is on the same page because she moves, opening her legs to him. It's an invitation he won't refuse. He knows she takes contraceptive potions so there's really nothing stopping them.

Harry tries his best to enter her slowly, to give her time to adjust but he sets his jaw so hard he's afraid of breaking something. He just wants to bury himself inside her. "Just do it, love." She says, her eyes meeting his, his own desire reflected there. In one powerful thrust he's all the way inside her and she hisses. They keep looking into each other's eyes. He bumps her nose with his and she corresponds the gesture immediately. It's surreal to be like this with her. And he doesn't know why, but he was sure they would fit greatly, however, he was not prepared for the extreme sensation of finding his right place in the world inside her. They fit perfectly. It's almost overwhelming as it is, but then he moves and-

"Oh my-" She says, expressing his own thoughts. "Harry." She moans. He moves in and out slowly at first, all his rationality almost gone. But then he picks up the pace and Hermione is right there with him, their bodies already comfortable with each other as it gets better and better. He never felt such pleasure. He always enjoyed sex, but this… what he's sharing with Hermione is more than just sex.

And he wished it could last forever. But well… he can feel himself getting closer and closer. Hermione is not there yet, though, and he kisses her, his hand on her breast, squeezing, trying to bring her closer too. He bites her lips gently, and then he shifts a little, his thrusts now also hitting a soft spot. She moans against his mouth and he doesn't stop. He can't stop. When he finally feels her nails digging into him again, her walls clenching, he roughly moves his hips, holding her by the waist.

Then he reaches nirvana. "Hermione!" It sounds more like a plea than anything else. He's begging for her mercy because he never came this hard before. He grunts, still inside her and she closes her eyes, her orgasm reaching her.

They stay put. Harry is unable to move and she doesn't seem to mind. In fact she brings him closer by the neck and he inhales deeply, filling his lungs with her scent. He kisses her collarbone, her skin covered in a thin layer of sweat that he realizes it's one of his favorites things ever. Hermione sighs a content sigh. He smiles. "Feeling good, honey?"

He finally moves from above her and they both hiss when he's not inside her anymore. It feels like a huge loss. He lies on his back and brings her to him. Hermione immediately hugs his middle as if they'd done this countless times. "You have no idea, darling." She answers with a mellow voice. "You?"

"Fucking amazing." He kisses her head. "When you knocked I was just thinking about going to your room." He says in a low voice.

"Harry," Her tone carries something different and he stiffens. He's already afraid she might regret what they did. "Maybe we should keep this between us, for now." He frowns. "I mean, I don't want to confuse Rachel or anything." He presses his lips together. She's still resisting them in a way. She raises her head to look at him. "Don't get me wrong, Harry, please. I want this as much as you do, it's just… it's hard, okay?"

"Why, Hermione? We both want this. It shouldn't be." He pouts a little. "But if that's what you want, okay."

She widens her eyes. "Really?" He nods. It's a bit frightening to discover that he would do anything she asked of him. She moves and kisses him, their mouths already knowing exactly what to do. When they break their kiss and bump their noses, Hermione makes him the happiest man in the world as she says, "I love you." He watches her. The same eyes he's known since he was eleven. The same hair. The same nose. The same mouth.

He smiles. "I love you too."