July 30th, 2003
The month went by in a blur and before Harry even noticed, his birthday was just around the corner. And maybe, for the first time ever in his life, he's actually excited about it. Hermione has been quiet and in his opinion that's very suspicious. She might be up to something. He has no idea if she'll indeed surprise him, but even if she doesn't, he knows it will be another incredible day by her side - just like every other one they share.
She's still sleeping. It's Saturday and recently Hermione stopped working at weekends - before, she used to go to at least two every month - so, he lets her sleep. He left the bed with a smile on his face. And as he prepares breakfast, he… sings.
"He sings too, huh?" Hermione enters the kitchen. "Not very well, though." She's wearing one of his t-shirts. Smiling, she hugs him from behind, her hands on his chest, teasing his nipples in a playful way and making him laugh and squirm. He's very ticklish and he discovered Hermione won't respect him when it comes to this. At all. She enjoys herself way too much when she does it.
"Stop!" He's laughing and she finally obliges. He turns to hug her. The smile on her face taking his breath away. "I only let you tickle me because of this smile." He kisses her gently.
"I love tickling you because your laugh is just the cutest one." He frowns at the adjective and they share another kiss.
"You think I'm cute?" He kisses her jaw.
"Very."
"Hm." He squeezes her butt and, bringing her closer by the neck, he gives her a proper kiss. Hermione sighs, her hands lazily making a mess of his hair. He can't quite grasp her obsession in making him looking like a deranged scarecrow. He pulls back. "Why you love messing with my hair so much?" He gives her a peck. "It takes me hours to put it back together later." She snorts a laugh against his mouth.
"Hours?"
"Yeah." They keep kissing, slowly.
But a tap on the window stops them. Both frown. There's an owl waiting for permission to be allowed inside. Hermione walks there and asks, "Ready to spend the day at Ginny and Draco's?"
Apparently Draco made an improvised Quidditch field and he wants to use it with Harry, in his words he wants to prove that he's the better seeker. Not just that, but Draco and Ginny decided they wanted a pool. So, having the space for it and being magical made things really easy. Harry is excited about it, maybe he can teach Rachel to swim, something he's been wanting to do for a while now-
He looks up. Hermione is staring at the letter with wide eyes and a wrinkle between her brows. "What is it?" He asks as he turns back to the stove to prepare them some eggs. She clears her throat.
"Nothing, just something from the Hospital."
He watches as she folds the letter and crosses her arms, thinking. He's about to ask something else but the 'beep thingy' goes off and Hermione gives him an apologetic look as she fetches it from the table at the living room. Harry watches her walking around only in his t-shirt and underwear. Sometimes he can't believe they're really a couple now. Everything between them has been so good and amazing that he can't help wondering if he's truly deserving of such happiness. There's always a voice at the back of his head making him doubt his life… Harry never had a real family, and now, with Rachel and Hermione, he finally feels complete. And it's just surreal because for the first time ever life is easy, good, carefree-
He can't help being afraid of losing everything. The same way it happened with Tessa.
"Sorry, love, I have to go." Hermione is coming to him with a sour expression. "They need me at the Department, but I'll try to get out of there as soon as possible, okay?" She gives him a fast kiss and is already walking away but he seizes her by the arm.
"Hey, what's wrong?"
Hermione looks down and opens a strange smile, her hand cupping his cheek. "Nothing. Really. I just need to go. I'll be there soon." She kisses him again and he lets her go.
Harry leans on the counter and crosses his arms. He hates when Hermione hides things from him. The worst is that she knows she's not fooling him, but still she prefers not telling, which makes him even more curious. They usually talk about everything. He sighs. There's no way of convincing her of something she doesn't wanna do, so, he'll wait for her to be ready to talk about whatever it is.
Checking breakfast one last time, he moves to wake Rachel.
When Hermione arrives at Ginny and Draco's, Harry is at the pool with Rachel. She stops at the door which leads to the backyard and enjoys watching their little moment. The little girl is shrieking in delight as he throws her into the air and catches right after, the water splashing around them. Ginny is preparing a few snacks and Draco is flying alone at the improvised Quidditch field he managed to built. It looks decent. Hermione can't wait for their little competition to discover who's the better seeker. She's almost certain Harry will win, but it will be fun to see Draco trying.
She takes another moment alone before Harry sees her. Hermione still can't believe at the letter that arrived earlier. It's an admission letter congratulating her on her transference to Paris. When she read it she couldn't believe her eyes. Of course she didn't go through with it, but Noah had her forms and he obviously did. It angers her so much she can barely think straight. What right did he think he had? To meddle with her life like this? To make such a thing? She should have known. He was too strange that day when he tried convincing her of going.
And even if she can solve this easily by just sending a letter to the Admission Committee, it still unsettles her. Maybe Noah isn't the person she always thought he was and it gives her a chilling sensation to imagine everything she shared with him.
Not to mention that the letter threw her off a bit, her excellent mood disappeared in a blink. But she doesn't want to stay like that, she planned a few things for Harry's birthday and she hopes nothing else can ruin their weekend.
Harry finally sees her. And he opens that smile. It's unbelievable she's the receiving end of it. She sighs and moves to the pool, her eyes already scanning his naked torso. She can't even tell how much she loves his body. His hands. His lips. His strong legs. She loves all of him.
"There you are!" He yells. Rachel giggling in his arms.
"Mama!"
"Sweetie! Are you having fun?" The girl nods. Hermione looks up, the sun is shining bright. "You remembered the sunscreen, right?"
Harry rolls his eyes. "Of course. Aren't you coming in?" He raises an eyebrow and she can see a glint of desire in his eyes.
"In a minute. Just need to change." She smiles at him. "What about that poor man?" She points at Draco in the sky. "Are you letting him win?"
Harry laughs out loud. "Of course not. Please."
Ginny is coming to them with a tray filled with food. Hermione compliments her beautiful swimsuit and Ginny winks at her, sitting by the edge of the pool, her legs inside the water. Hermione watches as Harry talks to Ginny. It amazes her how she actually likes their nice relationship. Even if they had something in the past, it's not like what happened between her and Ron. Harry and Ginny managed to stay friends and Hermione finds it amazing that she doesn't feel any kind of jealousy. She looks down at the thought. Maybe the only woman capable of making her really jealous is Tessa.
Setting her jaw she excuses herself and heads inside.
Even after these amazing months by Harry's side, her fears aren't entirely gone. The same as the nagging feeling of being just a replacement. Maybe that's why she barely believes when he gives her that smile. She knows she shouldn't think about this, but there are times she imagines a life where Tessa is awake. Where Tessa is with Harry. With Rachel. She shakes her head. She said to him she would talk when she felt insecure about this, but it's impossible. Hermione is not proud to admit that this might be her permanent mood. She has no idea if she's ever getting rid of this sticky and unwelcome feeling. She's not sure she can let go of the guilt.
Hermione heads back to the backyard in her bikini and she doesn't miss the way Harry's eyes go over her entire body. She never thought herself this beautiful or sexy, but he makes her feel like it. The way he worships her body and how he looks at her, how he touches her… it's all very arousing. Not that Noah and Ron didn't do it, but with Harry is just… different.
Without giving it much thought she dives right into the pool, the water immediately cooling down her skin. Hermione emerges in front of Harry and Rachel is already trying to go to her arms. She can't help smiling while she takes her.
"Now, Harry," Ginny is talking, "please try not breaking Draco's heart too much, okay? I mean he does this for a living and if he can't beat you he'll just go crazy."
Harry moves inside the pool and hugs Hermione's middle from behind, his body pressed against hers. Resting his chin on her shoulder he says, "I can't let him win, Gin! It will be fair and square. I mean, he might have a chance, who knows."
Hermione laughs and he kisses her shoulder, then her neck and cheek. Ginny makes a sound. "I knew you would be this kind of couple." Hermione raises an eyebrow while she walks inside the pool, Harry with her, Rachel splashing the water everywhere, "You know? Those attached by the hip?" Harry snorts. "Come on, you're walking together inside the pool."
"That's love, Gin." Hermione's heart quickens at Harry's words and she turns her head a little to give him a peck.
"Oh, I love Draco, but I would punch him if he held me this way. Like a leech, no offense."
Hermione feels Harry's sincere laugh at her back and his arms go around Rachel as he embraces both, his head on hers. "Maybe that's why we never worked out." He teases Ginny.
"Please, Harry, you never even tried holding me like this." She waves her hand and eats a chip. "Maybe with another girlfriend-" Ginny stops mid-sentence and Hermione stiffens a little. She senses Harry's discomfort too. They're all thinking about the same person. Of course.
Uncomfortably she moves away from Harry, trying to be as nonchalant as possible. Because truth is… she just remembered a day in Paris when they went to the house of one of Tessa's friends and Harry held her cousin just like this at the pool. She knows it's normal, she knows couples do this, but Tessa is not just anyone. They have a history. And again she can't help thinking that if her cousin were there-
Hermione distracts herself with Rachel and Ginny tries changing the subject, but what really shifts the mood is Draco finally coming from the sky and diving directly into the pool from his broom up high. Ginny yells and shakes her head.
In his clothes, he points at Harry. "I'm ready to take you down, Potter."
"Well, you can surely try, Malfoy."
Hermione laughs at them. It's impossible not to think about their years at Hogwarts and the rivalry between their houses. And to her surprise, her chest hurts a little as she thinks about Ron. She's been thinking about him since she started telling Rachel the story of their friendship. He could be there with them. Laughing and enjoying a day between friends. She feels a lump in her throat. Is he not there because of her? Because of their failed relationship?
Biting on her lower lip she moves closer to Ginny. Draco seizes Rachel from her arms and Hermione can feel Harry watching her. She waters the ledge of the pool and crosses her arms on it. "Gin?" Her friend turns to her. "Do you know about Ron?" She tries talking in a low voice.
Ginny clicks her tongue. "Maybe." She squints.
Hermione gets what she means. "He doesn't want you to tell me." She nods to herself. "But he's fine, right? Good?"
"Yeah. I guess you can say that." Ginny opens a little smile. "Don't worry, Hermione. It's just Ron, you know? He'll be back someday."
Hermione smiles a little. He will. The same way he did on the hunt.
Sighing, she turns around inside the pool and Harry is just in front of her, his eyes worried. Ginny discreetly moves away from them, going to Draco and Rachel.
"You okay?" He asks in a low voice.
She tilts her head and puts her arms around his neck, kissing him. "Yes." He smiles and hugs her. Hermione's legs go up to his waist and she locks them on his back. He starts to walk inside the water with her as they only watch each other. He bumps his nose into hers. "Excited for your birthday?" She asks in a low voice.
"Yes." He tightens his grip on her. "You've been so quiet about it, thought you'd forgotten." She hugs him closer, their bodies touching everywhere.
"Never." She kisses him. Not so gently. He sighs when she pulls back. "But I have to say I didn't prepare many surprises." She scrunches her nose. "Is there something special you wanna do?"
"Nothing much… just a day with you and Rach is enough, really." He opens that smile. She kisses his cheek.
"But you already have that everyday." She says in his ear. Now, Hermione can see Rachel in Ginny's arms while Draco does all kinds of magic with the water.
"And there's nothing else I would want." She closes her eyes and kisses his neck, pulling back to look at him.
"Let's make a deal." She says. "I give you one wish."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean you can ask me anything and I'll have to do it. But just one thing." He opens his mouth, entertained. "Choose wisely."
"Is this your gift?"
She chuckles. "No. Consider it an extra."
"Hm." He kisses her. "Okay, I'll choose wisely. Anything?"
"Anything." She whispers against his mouth.
"It feels good to have you in my arms like this." He says, as he steers them closer to Draco and Ginny. "Maybe we should get a house with a pool too." Her heart quickens and she looks at him, seeking for the hint of a joke. She sees none. There's only a sincere smile on his face.
Hermione doesn't answer and he just gives her a peck. Then Rachel is already in their arms again and Harry does his best to show her how to float in the water. Hermione rolls her eyes as she says to him that Rachel needs to know how to swim before floating. They have a little debate about it and Hermione holds Rachel's middle while she tries flapping her arms and legs. Harry keeps floating, provoking Hermione, and Rachel swallows a whole lot of water because of her laughs. Then she cries.
Their afternoon makes Hermione forget about Noah, the transference, her insecurities because of Tessa. Her focus is entirely on making Harry happy. And by the way he so openly smiles she knows he is.
After a few hours, Rachel has had enough and Hermione leaves the pool with her, heating both with a charm since the wind is a little chilly already, the sun between a few clouds. She takes a quick shower with Rachel in one of the four spare rooms Draco and Ginny have and when they head back out again, Harry is already dressed and ready to prove that he's the better seeker.
Ginny shakes her head. "Please, just don't kill yourselves." She says to both.
Hermione settles down by her side and asks, "So, what are the rules here?" They frown. "You do have rules, don't you?"
"Errr, not really." Draco says.
Hermione laughs. "Without rules there's no way of this working."
"But what kind of rules, love?" Harry asks. "It's pretty simple. The first one who catches the Snitch wins."
"Okay, but aren't you setting up a time limit or something?" Hermione asks and Ginny is shaking her head. "No rules of what's not allowed? Dirty tricks and stuff?" They keep looking at her with a frown.
"They're crazy, Hermione." Ginny says.
"Who's releasing the Snitch?" She asks.
"Ginny!" Draco says fast.
"Oh, no, no." Harry moves forward. "She can't. She's your fiancee. Hermione should do it."
"No way!" Draco reacts. "She's practically your bloody wife." Hermione opens her mouth at that. "Rachel should do it!"
They all look at Rachel who is practically asleep in Hermione's arms. "Do you want to release the golden ball into the air, baby?" She asks the little girl.
"Yes!" Rachel nods and Harry calls to her. He takes the Snitch from his pocket and holds it between two fingers, letting its wings open slowly. Rachel is fascinated.
"So, you hold it tight, okay? You can only let it go when dada and uncle Draco are way up high in the sky." He points up. "Okay?" Rachel nods and Harry smiles at her. Then he blows Hermione a kiss and she smiles like a fool. She loves this man so much. "Wish me luck?" He winks at her.
"You don't need luck, love. I know you're going to win."
"Hey!" Draco yells, appalled.
"Don't mind them, Draco. In my opinion, you're the better seeker." Ginny stands up and kisses him.
And then they're up in the air. Rachel comes closer to Hermione, showing her the Snitch and smiling widely. "Pretty." She says.
"It is." Hermione answers. Ginny is grunting by her side. "What?"
"Wanna bet some money on this?"
"Maybe… 5 galleons on Harry."
"Merlin, Hermione, Draco is a professional player."
She shrugs. "Harry is a natural talent."
They both laugh at that. "I guess you can release the Snitch now, Rach." Ginny says.
With a big smile on her face, Rachel moves forward and extends her hand into the air. When she opens her fingers, the Snitch flies away so fast she giggles and claps. Then she comes back to Hermione's arms.
"I can't believe they didn't set up a time limit." Hermione mumbles.
"I know. We could be here for endless hours." Ginny rolls her eyes. "What's up with men and this kind of competition?" Hermione snorts.
"I have no idea what they want to prove…" She trails and they both laugh again.
And it indeed takes hours. Ginny and Hermione talk about everything they've been up to for the past few weeks and then, when there's a silence between them, Hermione asks, "Why the Quidditch field, though?"
"The field is like a beacon for the Snitch. It won't go that far away from it." Ginny explains and sighs. "Why don't you stay here for the night? I mean, it's getting pretty late and Harry can cook us a nice dinner," They chuckle, "and tomorrow is his birthday anyway, we can start the day celebrating."
Hermione likes the idea. "Yeah, I guess we could stay." Ginny smiles. "To be honest I didn't plan a big surprise, I know how he gets a little edgy on his birthday." She gulps. "He… he said at the pool that we should get a place with one too." She purses her lips.
"Well, this surprises you?"
"A little. A lot."
"Why, though? You're so in love… it would be the next step, wouldn't it?"
"I guess." She sighs, but what exactly would be this next step? "Sometimes is just hard to believe, you know? Is it possible to be this happy?" She asks in a low voice.
"Of course-" Ginny gasps. "They found it!" She points up and they both get up to look, Rachel awake now as she tries seeing her dada up in the air.
They're both flying really fast and she feels her own heart going a million miles an hour. Watching Harry play always gave her a terrible sensation of falling, as if she was the one on the broom. She bites her lower lip as she watches them in tension. Draco is apparently in some advantaged as he flies up in the air with Harry trailing behind. But Harry suddenly stops and changes trajectory. Confused, Draco slows down to look at him. And then in a extremely fast and irresponsible move, Harry darts up again and goes past Draco, flying straight right after.
Ginny whistles by her side. "Draco will be pissed." She says in a low voice.
And indeed. Draco looks like a vengeful angel as he tries to catch up with Harry, who is now darting down to the ground. Hermione holds her breath. Rachel is finding everything extremely fascinating. They're going down on a 90 degree angle and it's just terrifying, but she can't look away. Hermione starts biting her nails. Ginny walks forward and she follows with Rachel. They're closer and closer to the ground, diving right at the middle of the field. If she squints enough she can see the Snitch. And it's just a few inches from Harry's fingers, he's gonna win-
Draco shoves the tail of Harry's broom with one of his hands. Hermione yells, outraged. Harry goes spiraling into the air, but he kicks Draco's broom just before he flies too far away. And now they're both spinning very close to the ground. Ginny and Hermione run to the field.
As they both center themselves again, the Snitch is hovering just by the sand and they come from opposite directions at it.
"Oh, no." Hermione whispers.
She's sure they'll smash into each other. She moves to fetch her wand, but it happens too fast. With their extended hands to the Snitch they become a mess of limbs and sand as they crash and fall. Now, Ginny is yelling and chastising them, Hermione is in shock and Rachel is tugging at her hand. She can't see them at the moment, but they're both yelping and cursing. Draco lets out a shriek of pain. She finally reaches them.
"You bloody idiots!" Hermione is saying as she tries taking a better look at Harry. They're both grunting on the ground. Ginny is kneeling by Draco's side. "Harry." His face looks fine and she starts touching him. He hisses and grits his teeth, shaking his head.
"My shoulder." It's all he says. In a blink Hermione has both hands on him, seeking the rupture. She clicks her tongue when she notices he dislocated it.
"Don't move." She says, a little angry. "It's gonna hurt." He closes his eyes and Draco is still grunting, but waiting - he probably needs something back to its proper place too. However, with Harry, she doesn't need magic to put his shoulder back on its place, so, in a precise movement she does it. They hear the crack when it moves back to its socket.
"Merlin." He says with a few tears on his eyes.
She sighs and with her wand she does a simple spell to help the healing. "Honestly."
"Excuse me…" Draco is saying. "I guess I have a broken leg here."
"Oh, shit." Harry murmurs and laughs.
"Really, you're just daft, aren't you?" Ginny is saying while Hermione is kneeling by Draco's. He has a broken leg indeed. Hermione keeps sighing, not believing their recklessness. "And lucky that Hermione is a healer." Without warning Draco she magically puts the bone back together and he yells.
"You two will probably need a potion to heal better. But you'll live to do stupid things another day."
They both laugh and she can't help smiling. After a moment they're all bursting into laughter, really. And then-
"Who won?" Ginny asks.
Harry opens his mouth, his hands are empty and they all look at Draco. His left hand is closed in a fist and he opens a smug smile. Hermione is already sad that she lost her 5 galleons, but… there's nothing but a ball of sand in Draco's hand.
"What?" He says. "Where is it?"
They start to look around and Rachel giggles. Hermione turns and they see the little girl holding the Snitch with both hands, bewitched by it. Harry lets out a marveled laugh as he crawls to her.
"Baby," He says, "You're the better seeker, sweetie." He kisses her cheeks and she hugs him while holding the Snitch.
"I lost to a three year old." Draco says. "Should I retire, Gin?"
As they all head back to the house, Hermione feels a warmth in her chest. A warmness that's nothing more than sheer happiness. Harry puts an arm around her shoulders, his other one holding Rachel as she's still mesmerized by the Snitch. He turns his head and gives her a kiss. It all feels perfect.
July 31st, 2003
"Hermione." She hears someone calling. "Hermione." She mumbles. A kiss on her neck. Then up on her jaw. "Wake up." He says into her ear. She feels a chill of excitement when she understands it's Harry kissing her, his body pressed against hers. Sighing and not opening her eyes, she hugs his neck. He keeps kissing her, his mouth hot on her shoulder now. "I know what I want." She doesn't answer. In reality she wants to sleep. "It's my birthday." He nibs on her lobe. "And you said I could ask you anything."
She finally opens one eye to glance at him. He's wide awake and looking dangerous. "It's the middle of the night." She says in a low voice. "Don't tell me you want sex. That I would give you very willingly in the morning." He laughs against her mouth and she snuggles to him.
"Come on, wake up."
"Can't it wait? It's so warm and cozy in here." She nuzzles his face.
"It could. But it's easier to do it now that we're here at Draco and Ginny's."
She opens both eyes. "Oh my, you don't wanna have sex with them, do you?" She mocks him and he laughs loudly, squeezing her waist. She chuckles.
Then he raises an eyebrow. "Would you? Have sex with Draco?" He tilts his head. Hermione opens her mouth, unsure of what to say. Draco is handsome in his way. And- "You would! I can't believe it!"
"Oh, please." She mumbles, her neck hot. Harry grunts. Then he kisses her hard.
"Let's go." He says as he pulls away from her. Hermione groans.
"Do I need to change?" She's wearing cozy sweatpants and one of his t-shirts. He shakes his head and extends his hands. "Aren't you telling me what we're doing?" She goes to his arms and they put on some slippers. He smiles mischievously. Before they move out of the room, she cups his face. "Happy birthday, love." They share a sweet kiss and Harry sighs when he bumps his nose into hers. Then he just tugs her hand and they're going down the stairs and heading to the backyard.
A million possibilities go through Hermione's mind, but none that she wouldn't do if he just asked her, unless- it dawns on her when he seizes the broom from the bench.
"No." She says fast, stopping. "No, no, no." He crosses his arms.
"You said you would do anything." He teases.
She narrows her eyes. "Why do you wanna torture me on your birthday?"
"I promise," He comes closer, "you'll like it. Just give it a chance, please. I'll be there with you." He pouts. "It's such a beautiful night, love." He motions to the sky and she can't deny that he's right.
She closes her eyes. Hermione's not even sure the last time she mounted a broom, maybe at Hogwarts, who knows. But she really said she would do anything he asked and maybe flying with Harry won't be so bad… she shakes her head and pulls her hair up into a bun. He jumps a little on the spot, like an excited kid. She can't help finding him adorable.
He mounts the broom and she comes to his side. "Go on." He says and helps her mount in front of him. They're still on the floor but she's already dizzy, trembling. "Relax." He pulls her closer to him, her ass nestled at his crotch. One of his arms around her waist, the other on the broom. "Hold tight." She closes her fingers around the deadly flying object and lets out a breath. "Don't worry, nothing will happen. I'm here." He kisses her cheek gently. She nods, a bit more comfortable. "Let's start small."
"How is that?" She asks, her throat dry.
"Let's just hover a bit, a few feet from the floor, okay?"
She feels him pushing against the floor and in a second her feet are dangling. Hermione starts to breath heavily, scared, maybe not even Harry's presence is enough to end her fear-
"I was thinking, I'm not sure I know what's your favorite book." Harry says in a low voice, his mouth on her cheek, the hand on her waist caressing her in small circles. She can't give him an answer as she tries to concentrate on being still. "Is it a muggle one? Literature? Magical tales?" He kisses her gently. They're going higher and higher. "I think I've never read an entire book in my life, you know?"
"What? How?" She blinks. "How have you not read an entire book? Ever?"
He chuckles. "I mean, maybe I have, but children's books when I was at the muggle school. And now to Rachel." Hermione lets out a soft snort, the closest to a laugh she can manage. She realizes the broom stopped going up and they're just… soaring. "And this may seem like a shock to you, but," He presses his mouth against her ear, "I've never finished Hogwarts, A History."
Now, she finally chuckles. The air leaving her lungs with ease, her mind clearing a bit, the dizziness going away. "If that's the case then I think our relationship is over." She teases him and Harry playfully bites on her cheek.
"Oh, no." He says. "I promise I'll read it then." She shakes her head. The wind is blowing against them gently. It feels… nice. "Is it 'Love and Prejudice'? Your favorite book?"
"To be honest… I'm not sure. I love reading it, but I don't think I can say it's my favorite one." She stops for a while, daring to look away from her hands gripping on the broom. The stars are shining bright. "I used to read one after the other without stopping, sometimes I even forgot to eat. I guess it was a way of connecting with myself when I didn't know exactly how to deal with some… issues."
"Issues?" He asks.
"Yeah, I mean… kids liked to make fun of me." She sighs, her hands relaxing a little. "I wasn't what you can call the 'normal' kid."
"I'm sure." She tilts her head at that. "I have no doubt you've always been exceptional. Amazing, to use a better word." She smiles.
"Kids can be mean." Her mind wanders a little. "Tessa used to defend me." It's odd to talk about this with Harry.
"Really?" He steers the broom a little to the right and they go straight, the wind blowing a little harder against them. They're not too high nor too low, it's just right.
"Yeah." She can't help opening a little smile. "No one made fun of her, she was the popular kid and she used to tell the others to leave me alone." She bites her lower lip.
"At least you had a cousin who defended you." He steers the broom the other way. "Mine was the one who used to make fun of me with the others." He pulls her a bit more tightly against his body and to her surprise she moves without fear, her feet swaying.
"Even when you were very little?" She dares asking. Harry usually avoids talking about the life he had with the Dursleys.
"I don't know, I can't quite remember. But my uncle never accepted me there. He used every opportunity to make me feel bad about myself, and my aunt never defended me." She feels him shrugging. "I guess Dudley just followed his parents' example."
She inhales deeply. One of her hands moving to his, the one holding the broom. "I'm sorry, love." It breaks her heart to imagine a mini Harry suffering like that, having it seared into his mind that he was not wanted, that he was nothing more than an inconvenience.
He kisses her cheek. "It's in the past."
Hermione turns her head to look at him. He opens that smile and she melts inside. "Even if it's in the past," She says in a low voice, "it was wrong and a child should never feel she's unwanted." She gives him a kiss. "If it's worth something, I want you to know that you're very much wanted, Harry. And extremely loved." He caresses her nose with his and they share another kiss.
Now she doesn't know if the sensation in her stomach is from the height or from their kiss. But when she notices she's not quite holding the broom so tightly and her body is fully relaxed against his. Pulling away from the kiss, she smiles.
"Look." He says as he looks down.
Without thinking twice she does it and it takes her breath away. They're very high now but she barely noticed they were going up. And she can see the house, she can see the pool, the surroundings, the lights of muggle London. It's-
"Wow." She says. "It's beautiful."
He sighs and looking at her, he says, "It really is."
"Thank you for this, Harry." She whispers. Hermione never imagined she would be able to fly like this.
Without answering he shifts a little, moving them both on the broom, he's so fast Hermione only registers what happened when she's already with her legs spread wide, sitting on his groin. He kisses her neck and his hand goes down from her stomach under her waistband. She closes her eyes at the sensation of his cold hand against her hot core. Suddenly she's aching for him in a desperate way. "Hold us." He says into her ear and she widens her eyes when she sees him releasing the broom, freeing his hands to explore her body.
"Haarry!" She's not sure this is the best idea, but she has no strength to object when one of his fingers enters her, his other hand on her hard nipple. He keeps kissing her neck. She moves her head back, sure that she lost her mind.
But she never felt so aroused in her entire life. She doesn't know if it's the height, the way he's holding her, how he's kissing her neck, the cold air against their hot bodies… everything is just- She bites her lower lip when he hits a soft spot with two fingers, her walls clenching, his palm rubbing against her clit. This won't last much. At all. She can feel her orgasm building, her whole body tensing. Harry quickens his movements, his tongue on her pulse.
With a moan she comes fast and hard, shaking.
"Fuck." He says, breathless. She can't even form words. This was definitely the sexiest thing ever. "This is a top 5 for sure." He begins to steer them down to the ground.
And when she's finally sane, she asks, "A top 5?"
They touch the ground and she realizes just how much she's still shaking. But not from the height. Harry helps her stand. He has a boyish smile on his face. She doesn't wait for him to say anything, Hermione just apparates them back to their bed. "A top 5?" She asks again as he tries kissing her. She wants an answer. He grunts.
"It's nothing." She narrows her eyes. "Okay, fine. It's a silly thing, really. I kinda of have a top 5 sexiest moments inside my head."
"Oh?" She perks up at that. "Now you have to tell me, Harry." He sighs and hesitates. She comprehends in a blink. "I'm not in all of them, am I?" Trying her best not to be jealous she says, "Well, I guess I'll just have to try harder to fill all these spots then." He chuckles and they share a heated kiss. "I could do a top 5 too." She bites on his lower lip. "And I can already tell you won't be in all of them." He stops at that. She's not lying. Harry is surely at three of them if she thinks now, this one on the broom on the top of the list, but Noah wasn't a crappy lover… and even if things weren't the hottest with Ron, they surely shared two or three moments worth remembering.
"You're thinking about them now." He says through his teeth. She can see the jealousy in his eyes as he moves away from her, lying on his other side, snorting loudly. She hoists herself with her elbows, baffled and a little amused.
"You can't be mad! You started this! And you said I wasn't on your list first!" He mumbles something. She leans over his shoulder, kissing his cheek and neck. "Come on, love. You can try harder to be all over my top 5." She teases him and he purses his lips. "Hm, so angry." Her hand moves down to his underwear, but he stops her. "Harry."
"I'm not in the mood anymore." And just like that he gets up from the bed, practically pouting. "I'm gonna check on Rachel."
She watches him go with an open mouth, a laugh inside her throat. Hermione shakes her head. "Men." She murmurs. But well, it's not her fault if he's not in the mood, there's nothing she can do. He woke her and gave her an amazing orgasm, so she can't complain. Still shaking her head and actually chuckling she lies back on the bed. She knows he'll be in a better mood in the morning.
After a whole morning of celebration with the Weasleys at Draco and Ginny's, Hermione said they had to go because she had planned a few things. He felt that warmness inside that he always feel when he notices how much she cares and how much she wants to make him happy.
Hermione took him to an exposition. But not just any exposition. Harry is sure she noticed the few last books he bought on photography because it was a photo exposition of his favorite photographer. He enjoyed it immensely. The pictures were beautiful and delicate, thoughtful. The focus was the many faces of a person. How the light, the nature, the time of the day - and such - can alter someone's mood and change drastically the picture and the message it contains. He was awed by it, his eyes wide and his mouth hanging open as they walked inside the gallery. Rachel was also very entertained since she stayed very alert and even made some questions about it all.
But that wasn't the only surprise. Her planning also included a secluded and very hyped restaurant that Harry talked about a few months ago. He had no idea she would remember this. He thought it was impossible to get a reservation, but she just smiled at him. He can't deny he had a perfect gastronomic experience. Later he met the Chef and had a nice conversation with him about his favorite techniques. Harry wasn't able to rest until Hermione explained how she pulled it off. Again with a smile on her face she explained that the Chef is an old friend of her mother and that they could go back whenever they felt like it, there's always going to have a table for them, regardless the day or the hour. He only kissed her.
But even after this amazing birthday, Harry's mood is still off. And he knows it's because of something silly, but it's stronger than him. It's the bloody top 5. Hers top 5. He knows he might burst if he doesn't know the moments she considers the sexiest ever that don't include him. He wants to know. But he doesn't want to know. She treated him normally all day, laughing and talking and being her wonderful self, totally cool with it.
And now, as she and Rachel bring him a cupcake to sing another happy birthday he finally softens a little. His camera is there registering everything and he closes his eyes as he blows the candles. He wishes for this life to never end. Hermione kisses him softly and Rachel is running inside to bring him her present: another green balloon. Their little tradition.
After eating the cupcake and watching some cartoons with Rachel, the little girl finally succumbs and Hermione decides to tuck her in. Yawning and stretching, Harry gets up from the couch and heads to Hermione's room. But suddenly he stops on his tracks, confused. He blinks and shakes his head. He feels like a bludger just hit him. Strange. Pressing a hand against his temple he resumes his walk to the room.
And when he opens the door it's all dark inside, only a faint candle lit at the corner. "Hermione?" He asks. But she can't be there already, can she? She just got up to tuck Rachel. He frowns. And then he sees her silhouette. He's sure she's naked. "What-"
"Don't talk." She says sharply. "Close your eyes." He hesitates for a brief second and then he obeys. Harry feels a piece of cloth covering his eyes, blinding him.
"Her-"
"Don't talk!" She says more fiercely. He gulps and nods. "Don't move. You'll only do as I say. Understood?" He nods again. His body already reacting. She tugs him by the hand and he slowly walks forward, to the bed. Hermione turns him and makes him sit. He desperately wants to ask what she's doing, but then he feels her hot mouth against his and he corresponds the kiss, his hands automatically going to her breasts. She takes a step back before he can touch her, though. "No touching." And he feels his hands binding behind his back.
He groans at the back of his throat. Hermione straddles him and through his clothes he can feel the warmth of her body, his heart is beating so fast he's not even sure what's happening. She runs both hands on his hair, her nails on his scalp. Then she's kissing him again, dictating the rhythm, doing whatever she pleases with him. It feels like a small torture not being able to touch her, he would give anything to feel her skin-
His shirt disappears and he lets out a strangled sound when he feels her nipples on his chest, her arms around his neck, her body. She kisses his jaw, her hands going down to his stomach. He leans his head back when she sucks on his neck, biting and licking. He's already extremely hard. He wants to turn his head and kiss her again, but Hermione gets up from his lap and he grunts. But he doesn't move. He knows better than to disobey her.
"Lay back." She orders. Biting his lower lip, he does.
Hermione frees him of his shoes and socks first. And the anticipation of what's to come starts to get the best of him. She touches his chest again, her hands going all the way down to his belt. Instinctively he thrusts his hip up and she stops. "If you move again I won't touch you anymore." He's barely breathing now.
It takes a moment but then he feels her hands on his belt again. She starts to unbuckle it very slowly, her fingers brushing against his cock not so accidentally. She unzips him. "Lift your hip." He does it and she pulls his pants down. He licks his lips. This will definitely be a top 5. She kisses his thigh, her hands squeezing it. She spreads kisses on his stomach, all his muscles tensing, his cock begging to be free.
And her hand finally strokes him. He hisses. He's extremely sensitive at the moment. He wants to feel her mouth on him, desperately. She keeps stroking him and he tries to control his breaths. They already know each other pretty well when it comes to sex, so she knows how he feels about this. He finds it extremely hot, but he lacks the patient to dwell on this kind of caress. If he had his hands free, he would be buried inside her minutes ago. As if guessing his thoughts she finally tugs on his underwear, liberating him. He moans softly.
She pumps him with expertize, knowing exactly what he enjoys, the pressure, the rhythm. It's not a surprise when he feels himself nearing his orgasm. He grits his teeth, his body almost jerking, he's-
She stops.
"Fuck!" He says and she kisses him hard, her body covering his. He feels insane. It's all too much. She moves her hips and he can feel her entrance. He tries moving and she pulls away again.
"Nah, don't move, Harry."
He wants to yell. He's shaking, his whole body begging for her. But suddenly she's gone. He can't feel her near him or hear her.
He waits. And waits. He starts chewing the inside of his cheeks. His cock pulsating. He wants to call to her, get up. But he stays put. She's probably watching him. And knowing that's she's there, naked, observing him in that situation excites him even more. He has no idea how long it takes until he finally hears her.
He lets out a relieved breath, and then her soft lips are sucking on his cock, her mouth moving just right, her tongue licking him. He moans loudly. And she keeps going in a frenetic rhythm. He won't last long. He does his best to stand still, but when his orgasm reaches him it's so strong he jerks involuntarily to her as he comes shouting her name.
Harry is deaf and blind and breathless. He won't forget about this, he's sure. At the back of his hazy mind he feels her moving, her lips kissing his body all the way up to his mouth. They share a slow kiss. "You can move now." She frees his hands and he embraces her as she takes off whatever was blinding him. He blinks a few times. She's smiling at him. "Happy Birthday." She says.
Groaning, he brings her closer, kissing her again, his hands squeezing her body.
She finally pulls back. "Oh, I have one more gift." He watches as she gets up and puts on his t-shirt and an underwear. Hermione fetches something from a drawer and he sees the little package. "I thought about it last minute." She sits on the bed and he does the same, his body still recovering. He smiles. "I was going to get you a book. But, yeah… I think you'll like this more." She gives him the present and he raises an eyebrow.
"I would love anything you may give me, Hermione." He eagerly opens it. He gaps at her, not fully understanding. It's his Snitch. She laughs at his face.
"Look closely."
He squints and there's an inscription on it. 'Rachel's first catch. 07.30.2003'
"I put a spell on it and any Potter can trigger the memory of the moment." She points out. "I mean, you or Rachel can see it whenever you feel like it."
He opens a wide smile and her eyes soften at him. "It might be the best present ever." He says sincerely. "I love you."
"I love you."