"Forgive us now for what we've done
It started out as a bit of fun
Hey little train, we're jumping on
The train that goes to the Kingdom
We're happy, Ma, we're having fun
It's beyond my wildest expectation."
They landed on a beautiful green hill. Harry knew exactly where they were, but he wanted to see if Hermione would figure it out. She steadied herself, surveyed the area and then turned to face him and smiled.
"Scotland. We came here during the hunt."
Harry nodded, "I always loved the camping spots you picked for us. Figured it wouldn't hurt to revisit them in the summer."
"It's beautiful here." Hermione marvelled as she took his hand and started leading him up the hill.
The heat of August did wonders for the greenery in Durness. Every cliff and hill Harry could spot was covered in breathtaking pastoral sheets of grass. There were endless fields of fresh camomile surrounding them. Harry breathed in their scent deeply as Hermione dragged him up and up towards the top. She took brief glances at him as they walked, her face looked radiant with excitement.
As they reached the top Hermione pointed her finger out towards the coast, "Look over there,"
Harry followed her finger but couldn't make out anything but endless ocean waves.
"Right ahead are the Faroe Islands and just to the left you have Iceland and Greenland." She told him.
Harry looked back at her confused, "I can't see anything."
Hermione laughed as she bumped into him, "You're not supposed to see them, it's too far away. I've always found it fascinating in a way. We can't see anything. And yet, if we just keep moving in that direction, eventually we'll get there." Her eyes looked mystified, and Harry found himself unable to break from them. Suddenly, her words made perfect sense.
"It's the only thing that kept me going sometimes… during the hunt. Even if the end wasn't in sight, I knew it was there. Eventually, we would get there. That's what gave me my determination to keep fighting and helping you." She looked back at him and his heart stopped for just a beat or two.
"Couldn't have done it without you, Mione." He told her.
She smiled at him and then grabbed his arm again to spin him back around, "Alright. We should roll back down."
"What?" Harry asked, dumbfounded.
"You've never rolled down a hill before? Like when you were little?" Hermione asked.
Harry shook his head, "Can't say that I have."
She beamed at him, "Okay. Just follow my lead. I promise you, you're going to love this."
Harry watched her as she lay down on the grass and crossed her arms and legs. Then she looked up at him expectantly, "Come on,"
Harry mimicked her actions and then looked back at her, still unsure what this was.
"And now just roll!" She called to him as she shifted her weight and started rolling down the hill.
Harry did as told and transferred his weight downwards, and then gravity took him. It was scary at first, as Harry realised he couldn't actually stop himself even if he tried. He thought about extending his arms out to slow down but didn't want to risk breaking something. He could hear Hermione laughing somewhere nearby and it calmed him a bit. His vision was an utter blur as it kept changing from the sky above to the grass below. He couldn't help but laugh himself as their momentum picked up. He found himself going much faster than Hermione as her laugh sounded closer now. Right until they collided.
Harry panicked at first as they stumbled together and he grabbed her tight to protect her arms and head. Hermione laughed against his chest as they continued to roll down the hill which now started to even out as they slowed. They came to a slow stumbly stop with Hermione landing on top of him.
She was shaking with laughter against him as he chuckled, trying to catch his breath.
She pulled up slightly to look at him, "I told you it was fun,"
Her cheeks were rosy pink and there were daisies in her golden-brown curls. She looked heavenly. Harry's eyes hesitated over her lips. They looked soft and warm. He looked back up in her eyes only to see that she was looking at his lips too.
"You have flowers in your hair." He told her, as he started picking out the daisies from her locks. "Never took you for such an adrenaline junkie."
Hermione lifted herself and sat down next to him, "I'll have you know that I've ridden a dragon."
"Is that so?" Harry asked, a smirk forming on his face. Of course, she was right, he'd been a witness to that himself.
They sat amongst the fields of flowers, resting and picking grass out of their clothes.
"It's so beautiful here," Harry commented.
Hermione smiled at him and nodded, "I wish it was like this everywhere."
"No. I don't."
She turned to look at him.
"Sights like this need to be rare," He stared back at her, "That's what makes them so precious."
A tiny blush formed on her face, then she reached into her bag and pulled out a map, "Okay. There are a few places we have to see. I heard Gairloch is amazing too. And we should probably stop by John o' Groats too."
And so they did exactly that, and then some. By the next evening, they had seen much of Scotland's north coast. They kept to the rural parts, trying to stay away from towns and villages. Harry managed to fit his firebolt in Hermione's bag, and after being warned profusely to go slow, Hermione hesitantly agreed to sit behind him and fly around. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist as he flew them over mountains and lochs. Soon enough, she began to enjoy herself as much as Harry.
They set up camp on the outskirts of Lairg, near a small pond, decorated with silver birch trees. Harry made them tea and then they sat outside their old tent on camping stools, enjoying the sunset.
"Hermione,"
She turned to look at him.
Harry smiled at her, "This was by far the best idea you've ever had."
She laughed along with him, "Why, thank you."
A couple minutes passed in utter blissful silence before anyone spoke.
"I feel like we both needed it." She added, looking down at her feet.
Harry nodded, "Yeah."
She looked up at him again, "How… how have you been?"
He gave her a tight smile, "On and off, you know? Recently, I've felt like I have finally accepted it. I think what helps is knowing she's happier now. I see her in the papers. I hear about her from Ron. She seems like she's doing much better. And that helps in a way. Knowing that she's happy. At least it means that the breakup wasn't for nothing. If good came out of it, then there's nothing to regret."
Hermione nodded and then smirked at him, "That's very mature, Harry. But what about you?"
Harry chuckled, "I'm… okay. Like I said, on and off. There's better days and worse ones." He thought about that for a while and realised that ever since Hermione visited a couple days ago, he hadn't thought about Ginny once. The thought made him smile. In that moment he looked back at his best friend and smiled warmly at her, "But it's getting better every day. And when I'm doing stuff like this… with you… it's hard not to forget about everything else."
She smiled back at him, "I'm glad, Harry."
They remained like that in silence for a while, sipping their tea and enjoying the peaceful quiet.
"And you?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked back at him and shrugged, "I don't know. Maybe it's too early. At the moment I feel… light?"
Harry didn't know how to answer that.
"I can't find a good word for it. I guess it just feels like starting over. It's strange. You have plans and goals… you make all this effort to making something work and then it just doesn't. I wish I could tell you I'm terribly heartbroken. But I feel like this is something that had been coming for a while now. It just took me some time to finally see it."
Harry gave a weak smile, "One thing I know about Hermione Granger? She's a fighter. She doesn't give up easily. If you finally did, I know for a fact you did all you could."
She smiled back at him, "Thank you, Harry. I only wish he would see it that way too."
They sat together in silence, enjoying the final moments of the dying campfire.
"Well. Best turn in for the night. We're travelling back down tomorrow." Hermione told him as she started to get up.
"What's the destination?"
"York."
After spending two whole days without seeing a single other person, it was nice to be walking amongst crowds again. Harry deducted that York was beautiful. After taking a picture together at the Lendal bridge, Hermione dragged Harry through the town towards the Minster.
"It looks a bit like Hogwarts." Harry retorted.
Hermione laughed, "It does, doesn't it? Although much smaller. Isn't it funny? There was a place in time when muggles and wizards weren't so different. We dressed the same and surrounded ourselves with architecture that was near identical."
Harry nodded, "It's strange. How muggles have progressed so much, yet we're still stuck in the same place we were hundreds of years ago."
"I'd like to think it will change one day," Hermione told him.
Something told Harry she would be one of the boosting factors of that change, and he couldn't help but grin at that.
They continued to tour the city until they found themselves in the Shambles.
"Woah." Harry gasped and looked over to Hermione who was smiling. "This looks just like Hogsmeade." There weren't any flying owls or enchanted paper planes. The stores weren't selling flying brooms and magical creatures. But if one didn't look past the windows, you'd think you're in one of the most well-known magical centres. "Have you been here before?"
Hermione nodded, "My parents brought me here once. It's kind of funny to see you go through all of the same reactions as I did."
Eventually, they got hungry and decided to stop by a cosy restaurant. It was dimly lit inside, and all tables were decorated with candles. An older lady helped them towards a corner booth and handed them menus.
"I must say, you couldn't have picked a better place for a date." She told them.
Harry fought his blush while Hermione suddenly became very engrossed with the drinks menu. He was going to protest and tell the lady they were just friends having dinner. But when he realised Hermione hadn't said anything, he decided against it too. So what if they were on a date?
The food was delicious, although Harry couldn't help but notice the atmosphere had become rather quiet. Hermione was clearly in deep thought as she cut around her steak. He wondered if she was thinking about the waitress' comment.
Once they ate, they enjoyed the sunset once again by the river. As they sat there on the bench and enjoyed the sights and peace, Harry couldn't help but sigh in content. Hermione rested her head on his shoulder and did the same.
"I don't think I want this to end." She told him.
Harry smiled, "Same." He really didn't. In fact, he wanted to do this for the rest of his live. Just travel with her everywhere. Never belong to one place. New city every day. New memories and sights. He thought about Ginny's words and how travelling the world was something she wanted to do. But now as he sat there with a completely different girl on his shoulder, he couldn't help but realise he preferred doing this with Hermione. It made him feel uneasy at first, but then it faded. Until it was just them. On this bench. At this river. Enjoying their time.
"We should probably head out towards the country. We need to find a spot to set up the tent. It's getting late." Hermione told him.
"Do you think we could walk through the town one last time? Something tells me it will look even nicer at night. Besides, we have Lumos."
Hermione didn't argue as she stood up and extended her hand. He grabbed it promptly and they headed once more into the town.
The night crowds were out now. Music was echoing through the city. Harry could hear people signing all around him as they slowly continued along the bars and clubs.
"Hey… have you ever been to one?" He pointed his gaze at a nearby building. It was fitted with neon lights and brightly lit signs.
"No. Do you… want to?" She asked.
Harry shrugged, "I don't know… couldn't hurt, right?"
Hermione smiled and led him towards the club.
The first thing Harry picked up on was how loud the music was. He could barely hear his own thoughts. It was very uncomfortable. He clung tightly to Hermione's hand while they found their way through the massive crowds of people dancing, jumping and swaying to the music.
From recent experience, he knew of one thing that helped him relax. He led Hermione towards the bar. He looked over at Hermione who looked equally as uncomfortable. He was about to lead them back to the exit and leave this infernal place, but then something about her face caught his attention. The way the colourful lights grazed across her features, how brightly her eyes shined into his. Suddenly he wanted to find himself closer to her.
"Can I get you anything!" A loud voice came from behind the bar.
"Double rum and coke, twice!" Harry shouted back, shuffling through his pockets for muggle money. The bartender nodded and started sorting through glasses and scooping ice.
"HARRY!" He heard Hermione's voice and bent low and brought his ear to her mouth.
"I don't really drink." She told him. Harry could sense the fear in her voice. He knew that of course. In fact, the only thing he'd seen Hermione drink is butterbeer and champagne on New Year's.
"Trust me." He said into her ear.
"Here you go, mate!" The bartender bellowed.
Harry looked at the counter and stared at the four glasses in front of him.
"It's two for one tonight!" The bartender clarified, noticing Harry's confusion.
"Thanks!" Harry answered before grabbing a glass and bringing it to Hermione's hand. She clutched it, unsure of herself.
He took his own glass and raised it to her, "Cheers!"
She managed a tight smile and dinked him, before sipping at her drink. He looked at her as her expression changed. It went from harsh to unsure to surprised and finally to relaxed. She looked at him and then grabbed him by the shoulder, dragging him back down to eye level, "It's quite nice!"
Harry smiled and looked back at her, "I know!"
As they finished their first glasses, Harry had already found himself swaying to the music, and was surprised to see Hermione doing the same. He grabbed the next glass and sipped it. Hermione didn't need an invitation this time as she reached for the counter and grabbed her own glass.
Only minutes passed before Harry found himself in the middle of the dance floor with Hermione at his side. He thought about his dancing lessons in fourth year, and quickly realised that certainly would be no help in this scenario. He paid attention to the way Hermione swung from left to right. The way her waist swam along with her arms and how her head waved around, making her curls swing around. He couldn't help but get lost in the way she looked as he begun to dance in his own way. They kept close to one another, never allowing for more than arm's length distance. Harry even grabbed her hands and swung her around in circles a few times, making her laugh. Then they'd both jump wildly and bop their heads and hands to the beat of the music.
"And now we're slowing it down! Fellas, grab your birds and do your thing! Ladies, show them what they've been missing!" A DJ's voice erupted from the speakers, and then it was replaced by a slow song. Harry didn't know it, but Hermione's eyes widened, and she smiled at him.
"My parents dance to this one all the time!" She told him.
"Show me!" He called back, although he wasn't quite ready when she wrapped her hands around his neck and moved way closer than he'd been prepared for. The double rum and coke had definitely done their job; she was quite relaxed now, Harry thought to himself smiling.
Harry didn't know what to do with his hands at first, but it seemed as if instinct took over soon enough, as he found them gently placed on Hermione's waist.
The world faded away as they swayed around in a circle. His forehead was pressed against hers as they looked into each other's eyes. Although they were surrounded by people, it felt like they were the only ones there. Every face around him was nothing but a blur. The only one that mattered was hers. He could smell the rum and coke tracing over her breath, and he suddenly found himself incredibly thirsty. The smell was interlinked with her perfume and shampoo. It was so intoxicating. He could feel heat rising up through him.
She was smiling at him, and he couldn't help but look down at her lips.
And then, to his utter and complete disdain, the song ended. All too soon her arms had left him, and she was looking up at him expectantly, he bent down, hoping to hear something that would ease the pain of this incredibly short song ending "I'm tired." She moaned into his ear.
He smiled back at her, "Let's go!"
The cool outside air was sobering, and it felt nice against his face. His ears kept ringing and everything felt so far away. For a long while, Harry was worried he'd gone partially deaf. He apparated them back out into the country and started setting up the tent while Hermione sung to herself and bounced up and down on her heels. He laughed every time he looked over at her.
Once the tent was set up, he led her inside and guided her to her bunk bed. The very same one she claimed during their hunt. She was muffling something into her pillow, but Harry was certain it was song lyrics as he untangled the shoelaces on her trainers. He pulled off her shoes gently and then covered her with blankets.
"L-ve yu Hrry"
He stood there completely motionless but then smiled to himself, "No more two for one's for you, my lady." He reached for the candle lamp and put it out before turning back to her once more.
"Goodnight, Mione." He called, before retiring to his own bunk.
He woke up first. After putting on his glasses, Harry looked across and smiled when he located the wild bush of curly hair sticking out from underneath her sheets. He knew she wouldn't be up for at least another hour.
After a relaxing shower, he went to their tiny tent kitchen and began working on some scrambled eggs.
"Ughhhhh" he heard a hiss from across the tent and smirked.
She dragged her feet into the kitchen a few minutes later and it took Harry's breath away. He had never seen Hermione look so untamed. And something about it made him almost feral. She was barefoot, only wearing her jeans from last night and a small white top. Harry blushed when he noticed she wasn't wearing a bra underneath and turned back to the frying pan.
"Morning." He husked out in a deep voice, then cleared his throat.
"Harry."
He turned back around and made every effort to only look at her chocolate brown eyes.
"Please. Don't ever let me drink again."
He grinned at that as he welcomed her to the table with a cold glass of orange juice. "Here, this will help. You'll be better once you have some eggs. Protein does amazing things against hangovers."
She took the glass gratefully and started gulping it down.
"Thirsty?" He teased.
She shot him an annoyed look and he laughed.
Her mood became much better once they ate. Hermione left for the bathroom to shower and change, while Harry cleaned up. This violated their unspoken agreement about cooking and cleaning, but he didn't mind, and he did kind of owe it to her anyway. It was his idea to get drinks.
When she was back in fresh clothes, with her hair thoroughly brushed and ready for the day, Harry pulled out the map and sat down at the dining table.
"Where are we off to next?" He asked.
Hermione shook her head and frowned, "I actually don't know. We could go back to Scotland?"
Harry furrowed his brows in concentration as he scanned the map. His eyes drifted across the coast of Wales and then widened as he settled his finger on a patch of green between Cardiff and Birmingham, "Isn't this a place we stayed at too?"
Hermione focused on the map and then smiled, "The forest of Dean, yes."
Harry beamed at her in excitement "Should we go back? I mean we went in the winter, but I'm certain it must look so nice in the summer too."
Hermione nodded, "It looks even better in the summer."
They packed quickly, before shrinking the tent and shoving it back into Hermione's bag.
Hermione apparated them into the exact same spot as the last time they'd been here, although none of it was familiar to Harry. When he'd come here last, it was all white and frozen. Now everything around him was blooming and alive. There were flowers everywhere, the trees sheltered them from hot rays of sunlight and Harry smiled as he took in the scene. He could feel the fresh air of the forest fill his lungs.
They made their way past the trees and as they walked, Harry began to remember certain details. The intricate details of a tree trunk, or a collection of large boulders. Eventually, they made it to the lake. When thinking back to his first time being here, he remembered the frozen sheet of ice beneath him and dark abyss he knew he had to enter. Now it was all replaced with a magnificent bright blue reservoir. Harry knelt down and dipped his fingers in the water. It was pleasantly lukewarm.
"This is where it happened, right?" Hermione asked, "This is where you destroyed the locket."
Harry nodded, "Yeah," he stood back up looked over at the rock where Ron struck it with the sword. His mind trailed off towards that dark and cold night, and the things the locket showed.
"He told me all about it." Hermione muttered,
Harry turned to look at her in awe.
She returned him a tight smile, "A couple years back. He told me how it tempted him. Told him things about his family, how his mother didn't love him as much as her other children. It truly was very dark magic that held those things together."
"Was that all?" Harry asked, surprised.
Hermione frowned in confusion, "Yeah. Was there something else?"
Harry's eyes hesitated over the boulder where the locket had once sat. His memory was rather foggy regarding the whole night. He only remembered the most significant details; the doe, the sword, Ron, and the projections of him and Hermione. It felt odd that Ron wouldn't point out one of the most quintessential parts of what truly got him to finally launch himself at the locket. And yet, as he stood there and looked over at Hermione, suddenly it made perfect sense. Perhaps it wasn't a detail he'd wanted her to know. Ron didn't want Hermione to picture it for herself, and something about that made Harry feel uneasy, almost irritated. Surely, she had the right to know.
"All that you desire is possible. And all that you dread is also possible." The dark voice echoed in the depths of his subconscious as he continued to look at her.
"Harry?"
He shook his head, "No. I think that was it."
Hermione kept looking at him as if trying to figure him out, but then her body relaxed and she smiled again, "Come. Let's set up the tent nearby. It's best we do it now, so we don't have to do it again in the dead of night. Then we can hike for a bit."
After casting a few muggle-repelling charms on their campsite, Hermione took Harry around the forest and showed him places her parents used to take her to. She showed him the Cannop Ponds, the sculpture trail and then the Speech House Lake. Harry found all of the places breathtaking and vowed he'd build a house somewhere around there one day. Hermione was overjoyed at that and informed that she'd happily help him build it.
Much later in the evening, Harry prepared a roast dinner. Hermione wanted to help, but Harry wasn't having any of it, and so she made herself comfortable by a large tree outside and decided to enjoy a good book she'd been putting off for a while.
When Harry announced the roast was ready, she raced back to the tent, eager to see the results of Harry's undisputed culinary skills. She flicked on the wireless and put on her favourite music station as they sat down for dinner.
"That was amazing, thank you, Harry." She smiled at him, wiping her mouth with a napkin, "I have no idea what you put in the gravy, but it's the best I've ever had."
"Love, of course." He smirked at her.
The wireless flicked on to a new song, and Harry's eyes widened in realisation.
This was the same song he'd heard Hermione hum in his kitchen a few days back.
He looked back at her and saw the same expression on her face.
"Oh my god. This is my favourite song." She exclaimed.
"What is it?" Harry asked.
Her face fell a bit as he said that, "You… you don't remember?"
Harry felt heat rise up into his forehead as he focused hard on the words.
"Pass me that lovely little gun
My dear, my darling one…"
He looked around as the song rung through his ears, sudden memories coming back to him.
"The cleaners are coming, one by one
You don't even want to let them start…"
He suddenly remembered a much darker time. A time of doubt. Of fear and pain. Confusion and loss. And yet, somehow… he also felt light. He felt hope. She was that hope.
"We danced to this." He whispered.
Hermione beamed at him, "You do remember!"
Harry smiled back at her before standing up and offering her his hand, "Hermione Jean Granger. Would you grant me this honour, and dance with me?"
She blushed as she took his hand and stood up. Harry led them away from the table, towards the centre of the tent, before placing his hands on her waist. Hermione placed hers on his shoulders and gently pressed her forehead to his chest. It was more of a hug than a dance pose, but they always did whatever made them comfortable. There was no one to judge them here. No one to point and tease. It was just them. Harry and Hermione.
"They're knocking now upon your door
They measure the room, they know the score…"
They swirled together in an endless spiral, one supporting the other.
"They're moping up the butcher's floor
Of your broken little hearts…"
She pulled away ever so slightly to look up at him. Her eyes were deep shades of chocolate brown, but there was a magical glisten to them, a brightness made of pure life. He saw happiness there. He saw joy and giddy. But he also saw sadness, conflict, confusion, and fear. Oh, how much would he give for a hint at her thoughts.
"Forgive us now for what we've done
It started out as a bit of fun…"
This was her favourite song. Why was it her favourite? What made her like it so much? Could it be… was he the reason? His eyes were glued to hers as they continued to gaze into one another. He could feel his heart speed up, his muscles tense and his lips go dry as he continued to admire the beauty before him. When had Hermione become so beautiful? Had she always been like this?
Her arms folded around him and then back to his shoulder, she gripped harder at him now, her lips trembling slightly. They looked so wonderful. He was still trying to work his way past her smell, and how intoxicating it was.
She was beautiful at the Yule ball. He knew that. But this was Hermione. The real Hermione. No makeup. No fancy dresses or high heels. No. It was just her. Jeans and trainers and all. And yet… he couldn't stop looking. What spell was he under? And why did it feel so good?
"Come on
Come on
Come on
Come on…"
"Hermione…" He asked in confusion and fear.
"Harry…" She whispered.
Her breath was warm against his face, and he could feel her thundering heart against his own.
"Oh, children
We have the answer to all your fears
It's short, it's simple, it's crystal-clear
It's roundabout and it's somewhere here
Lost amongst our winnings…"
"I think…" I think I love you… his mind finished what his mouth couldn't.
She licked her lips in hunger.
He acted on near instinct when his hands went to her head, as he bent down, and pressed his lips firmly against hers.
Electric shock struck at his muscles, as they tensed against the energy that collided between them.
He pulled away hesitantly, trying to firm some grip on reality, only to see her wide and shocked eyes. She was breathing hard.
"Hermione I-"
He could say no more, because in that moment, Hermione's hand firmly gripped the back of his neck, while the other went into his hair, as she pulled him back with force and desperation.
"We're happy, Ma, we're having fun
And the train ain't even left the station..."
And then her lips were crashing against his, with much more need. Harry was almost overwhelmed as her tongue slid past his lips, and yet, he welcomed it like an old friend with his own.
Her hands were gripping furiously at his skin, and her fingers were tangling through his jet-black waves.
"Hey little train, wait for me
Was held in chains but now I'm free…"
His hands pulled at her shirt, and it was off at once. She was dragging him away towards his bunk as she clawed at his own clothes. Harry furiously pulled at the fabrics that were keeping them separated. His mouth went to her neck as he kissed and nibbled on her skin.
"Harry…" She moaned into his air, making him groan in excitement.
"I'm hanging in there, don't you see?
In this process of elimination…"
They collapsed on the bunk as one, but she was on top of him, her hands pressing hard against his naked skin, leaving pale impressions as they went. He had never seen her like this. The desperation in her eyes was almost intimidating, she looked so wild and free. He ran his hands across her back, until they reached her bra, he fought with the clip while she wrestled against his belt.
"We're happy, Ma, We're having fun
It's beyond my wildest expectation…"
Moments passed and they both found themselves angry and desperate, as they fought and struggled between undressing, kissing and touching. Hermione's mouth purged over him like a cleansing circuit as he moaned in pleasure. In return he massaged her breasts gently, allowing for his fingers to lightly swipe over her nipples, making her purr with delight. Soon enough they were both completely bare, and Hermione gasped at the thick presence of him as it pressed against her abdomen.
"We're happy, Ma, We're having fun..."
She shifted herself to sit properly on top of him and then guided him inside with her hand, while he licked and sucked at her chest.
"The train ain't even left the station…"
Pressure and tension tightened and expanded all around them as she continued to press against him. His breathing was rapid and shaky as he wrapped his hands over her waist and thrust back.
"Harry…" She begged,
"Hermione…"
Time and space slipped away. The world could have ended, and he'd never know. The only thing that mattered was her. In that moment, Harry knew. He'd been living a false life. None of it was real. Not until she made him realise. Not until he found the one quintessential fact. The simple statement that was now the sole purpose for his beating heart. He loved Hermione Granger.
"He's found the answer that we lost
We're all weeping now, weeping because
There ain't nothing we can do to protect you…"
She was no longer in his arms when he'd woken up, and it startled him. Determined to make no sound, he slipped on his clothes and made his way out of the tent to search for her.
She was resting up against a tree, reading of course. He admired her for a while. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders as even in August, the mornings could bring a chill, and she was nothing if not prepared. Her hair was tied into a loose ponytail, although she looked quite troubled.
"Morning."
Her eyes shot up to look at him and then she sat up, "Harry."
"Hey," He smiled at her and sat down opposite her on the grass. The chilly wind was sobering and refreshing as it blew across his face gently. That was when Hermione stood up, her book still firmly clutched in her hand.
"Listen, I-" they spoke as one and Harry couldn't help but laugh.
He nodded to her, "You go first."
"I think we should start making our way back. I've got a few errands to run, and Mum's birthday is coming up."
Harry wanted to counter at first but decided against it.
"Why don't you pack whatever you need, and we'll apparate back to your house." She ordered.
"Okay… hey I-" Before he could say anything else she was already gone back inside the tent. "Okay." He whispered.
Once he changed and packed everything away, they shrunk the tent and fitted it back inside Hermione's bag. She looked over at him and extended her arm.
Harry took it and smiled at how warm and perfect it felt in his.
Pop.
They were back outside his house, and a deep wave of melancholy washed over him.
They stepped inside and Harry was already proceeding to the kitchen when he realised she wasn't following him. He turned to look back at her as she stood there uncertain in the hallway. She reached inside her bag and pulled out Harry's rucksack along with his firebolt which she gently laid out on his console table.
"I think we should talk about last night." She informed.
His heart missed that beat. He didn't like the sound of her tone; it wasn't boding anything good.
"I think we can both agree that we got a little carried away…" She began,
Harry nodded, "I can agree to that."
She managed a tiny but sad smile, "That's good. That should make it easier."
"Make what easier?" He asked,
She hesitated for a moment as she gripped at the belt of her bag. Her fingers going white from how hard she held it, "I think… we shouldn't have done what we did."
Harry's eyes narrowed and his smile turned into a frown "What?"
Her hands started to shake lightly as she spoke in quick and broken whispers, "What happened last night was a mistake, Harry. We both stepped out of line. I stepped out of line."
"Well, I don't regret it." He said simply, and he couldn't help the noticeable anger that was rising within his chest. His neck was getting warm as his heart sped up and he approached her.
Her eyes widened at his bold statement, for just a brief second, Harry saw a wild conflict swirl in her eyes. In one instant she looked happy, almost delighted with what she had heard, in the next she looked scared and nervous.
"Harry… think of Ron… think of Ginny and all the other Weasleys…"
Harry folded his arms, "What about them?"
She looked lost for a minute, almost puzzled at how to explain it all to him, "They're your family, Harry. Mine too. Do you realise how much this would hurt them?"
Harry's eyes faltered for a minute, but then he stared back at her, "Ginny broke up with me. You broke up with Ron. Unless… you didn't?"
Hermione frowned, realising what he'd been accusing her of, "No. Of course, I did. I made it clear. This isn't about that Harry. It's about what could still happen. Think about Ron, Harry. He's your- OUR best friend. This would hurt him. I don't know if he'd ever forgive us."
Harry shook his head, "That's hardly my problem."
She glowered at him, "You don't mean that."
Harry meant to protest, but then his eyes fell again, and his shoulders sagged.
"You care about him. Just as I do. He doesn't deserve this. It would break his heart. Molly… Arthur… George… they'd never treat us the same again." She explained.
"So that's it then? We just pretend it never happened. And what happens next?" He argued in full-blown anger now.
Hermione hesitated again, "We don't have any other choice, Harry."
He couldn't help but choke out the words as they ached past his throat, "Did this mean nothing to you?" He couldn't believe how pathetic he sounded.
Pain shot across her face as she looked down at her clenched fists, "It meant everything."
"Well then why won't we at least fight? Why are you so quick to give up?"
"Harry I'm not worth it. Not over a whole family that loves you." She confessed.
Harry stepped closer to her as she backed away, she was up against the wall now, desperately avoiding his gaze.
"Screw all that, Hermione, I lo-"
Her eyes shot up to his. Tension bounced between them.
He faltered, "I don't think we should be worrying about it right now. I mean… it should be our business. No one else's."
Hermione shook her head, "You know that's not true."
Harry's voice got desperate again as his hands shot to her waist. His face was only inches away from hers as he spoke, "What do I have to do to make you stay. Please, Hermione. Let's just talk about it. Do you not want this to work?"
She looked back at him then, and it's like her eyes told him everything he wanted, but her mouth kept up the charade, "Harry… you love Ginny. She'll be back. I know she will. You'll get back together, and none of this will matter. It was a just a moment of weakness."
He shook his head desperately, "No it wasn't. Why are you saying all this?"
Teardrops fell down her cheeks as she spoke, "Because I'm just me. Just Hermione Granger. I'm not worth it, Harry. The pain and suffering. Losing your best friend… future wife… family… Don't let it all go to waste for something so temporary."
"Temporary? Hermione… I want you with me. I want you always." He told her.
"Please, stop saying that." She cried, still trying her best to refrain from eye contact.
He brought his fingers up to her face and wiped at her tears, "Please look at me. Hermione, it wasn't temporary for me. I want you to stay with me here. Forever."
"Harry…" She begged.
And then finally she looked at him, and it felt like something inside him broke as he saw the pain behind those chocolate brown waves.
"Hermione please." He protested.
"I'm sorry." She whispered and then pushed him hard.
He stumbled back, and as his hands left her waist, she disapparated.
Harry stood there motionless for a minute or two before blinking himself back into existence. As his thoughts raced back to him, he couldn't withhold the rage of emotions as he brought his fist hard into the wall.
He pulled his hand away from the crumbling plasterboard and examined the damage he'd made to the wallpaper. She had picked this one too.
"Fuck."
The week passed in an aggravatingly slow fashion. Seconds turned to minutes as he did anything and everything to keep himself busy. He left the office as late as physically possible and the moment he got home, he'd scrub another room from ceiling to floor until the entire house was spotless. By the fourth day, he was starting to lose his sanity.
Harry's eyes hesitated over his alcohol cabinet as he paced back and forth in his living room. The TV was on in the background, but no movie had the power to capture his interest right now. He went through Emma's presents once more, making sure they were packaged as nicely as possible. When he found a single crease in the wrapping paper of the blender he'd bought her, he tore the paper off and started again.
Eventually, the weekend had arrived, and he was counting down the minutes before he'd go to the ministry and then take the connecting floo straight to Australia. Hermione's parents had decided to stay there after realising just how much they enjoyed the country and its warmth. They had set up a new dental practice and continued to do what they loved. Hermione was never too bothered, as cross-continental travel was never a big deal for the wizard folk.
As he put on a casual suit jacket and jeans, his heart started racing, knowing that'd he'd see her soon. Truth be told, he didn't know what he'd say to her. And yet he hoped that maybe she'd have changed her mind.
Harry was grateful to be met with Australia's tame winter. This would have been considered a relatively warm day back home. As he approached the Granger residence, his heart was threatening to beat out of his chest. He took five steady breaths and then rang the doorbell.
"HARRY!" Emma Granger's voice came but even before he'd properly seen the woman, he was already in her arms. One of the greatest qualities Hermione had inherited from her mother was the bone-crushing hugs.
"It's so good to see you!" She told him as she pulled back to inspect him,
Harry often found it slightly concerning just how similar Emma and Hermione looked. He always teased the Granger women could be mistaken for twins, and Emma always loved that joke.
She had the very same bushy hair, but a shade darker, and her eyes too were deep chocolate brown. And yet, they didn't have quite the same golden watermark. Her eyebrows and nose were identical. It was striking really. Dan had often joked to Harry that his genes had been biologically conquered by Emma's when it came to Hermione.
"It's lovely to see you again, Mrs Granger. Happy Birthday!" He smiled back at her.
"Thank you, honey. My my you look so handsome." She teased.
Harry couldn't resist the deep blush. "You look very lovely yourself. A true birthday girl."
She swatted at him, "And did I really just hear you call me Mrs Granger again? I thought I had managed to hammer that out of you last Christmas."
Harry chuckled, "Old habit."
"There he is!" Dan called as he came up from behind Emma, "How are you, son?"
"Hello Mr- Dan. Lovely to see you again. How have you been?"
The men shook hands and nodded at each other. Dan was very fond of Harry. They had often managed to find many topics to discuss which they both enjoyed a lot. Particularly movies, football and quidditch. Two years before Harry had taken Dan to the Quidditch World Cup, and just last year Dan had repaid the favour by taking him to the football one.
"Oh, you know me. Can't complain unless Emma's watching one of her reality shows." He quirked, making them all laugh.
Emma smacked his arm, "You keep saying that, and yet when I put them on your eyes are always glued to the screen."
"That's why I hate them, they're bloody addictive!" He defended and winked at Harry. That was when he noticed the massive gift bag at Harry's feet. "Is all that for my Emma?"
Harry nodded sheepishly, "She's the celebrity today."
Emma's cheeks flushed a shade of pink and it looked almost too familiar. She smiled at him, "Harry, dear. You really shouldn't have. You know I would be perfectly happy with a simple card."
Harry frowned, "That just simply wouldn't do."
Dan chuckled, "Deary me, I need to step up my game. I'm about to have my wife stolen from right under my nose."
Harry picked up the gift bag, "I'll save them for after the cake."
"Well, what are we still doing out here? Come on in, Harry. The party's only just starting. You made it just in time. It's bad luck to stand on the doorstep." Dan ordered them in.
Harry laughed as he remembered Dan's infamous joke. According to Dan, anything that went against his wishes was bad luck. Apparently, that included refusing free tickets to a football match.
"Is uh… is Hermione here?" Harry asked as they stepped into the hallway.
The Grangers had a lovely home. It felt more like a beach house, with its beautiful baby blue coat and large front porch. The interior had bright sandy-painted walls with matching furniture.
"Mum!" He only realised just how much he missed that voice when he heard it.
And then she was there. Right in front of him.
She stopped mid-step in the corridor as she stared at him from across the halfway. Her eyes froze and he could no longer feel his heartbeat. He could have died for all he knew.
She looked gorgeous. She was wearing a light purple summer dress that stopped just above her knees. Her legs were bare and looked as creamy and smooth as he could remember, with matching purple pumps. She had a bow in her hair, and a silver necklace Harry had bought her for her twentieth birthday. A flame rose in his chest when he spotted it. It was a simple necklace with a beautiful silver 'H'. The intention was for it mean Hermione. But now he'd fancied himself to see it as his initial instead. She had minimal make-up on, and it looked just perfect. With a face like that, you didn't need much, he thought.
Harry didn't know how long they stood there, staring at each other. But he guessed long enough to make it awkward when Dan cleared his throat.
"Mum, it's time for the cake!" Hermione urged as she waved at her mum to hurry.
Emma laughed as she caught up to her daughter.
"Everything okay?" Dan whispered to Harry,
Harry blinked himself awake and looked back at the father of the woman who stopped his heart, "Yeah, of course."
They moved into the dining room where other guests had already settled and were waiting patiently.
Harry didn't know many of them personally, as they were mostly friends of Dan and Emma, but he recognised most of them from previous birthdays. He had only just managed to greet with everyone before Hermione strolled into the room with a massive cake in her hands, the candlelight illuminated her face in a deep warm orange, and it made her look like the summer.
They all sang while Emma stood, smiled and tried not to look uncomfortable.
"Think of a wish!" Hermione commanded.
Emma giggled at her daughter, closed her eyes, and then blew out the candles as the guests applauded.
Harry desperately wanted to get Hermione alone. He wanted to speak with her. But as the party went on, he started to believe it an impossible feat. She kept disappearing to the kitchen with one person, coming back with another. She'd sit down to eat with her aunt, then escape to the garden with her dad.
"Oh my! Harry, thank you so much! I've been wanting to get this blender for ages!" Emma called over to him with an appreciative smile.
Harry smiled back, "I'm so glad you like it." But his eyes were already scanning the room again, trying to find her.
He pushed through a couple groups of guests and made his way to the garden. He looked through the kitchen window and expected to see her with Dan. But she was alone. His eyes widened in shock as the chance presented itself. He rushed through the kitchen and darted out the door.
"Harry!"
Harry stopped dead in his tracks, cursing to himself internally as he turned around to face Hermione's uncle, Greggory Granger.
"My boy, how have you been, eh?"
I'm good Greg. How is Dorothy?" Dorothy was Hermione's cousin whom she despised. She was essentially the exact opposite of the Gryffindor witch, and that just spoke for itself.
"She's well. Currently single if I may add." He winked at Harry.
Wrong Granger, Harry thought as the rest of his patience melted away, "Listen, Greg, I need to do something, I'll be right back."
Greg chuckled, "Alright my boy, just remember. You can't leave before we've had a drink, otherwise I'll be after you!"
Harry nodded impatiently and turned back out to the Garden. He walked through the path amongst a hundred different flowers Emma had planted and his face fell when he got to the gazebo.
She was gone.
"For fuck's sake." Harry gritted under his teeth.
"Everything okay?"
Harry spun around and nearly jumped out of shock, "Hermione!"
His reaction startled her as well as her hand shot to her chest, "Harry, please. You're going to give me a heart attack!"
"I'm sorry." He answered and pressed on, "Hermione. I… I want to talk to you."
She frowned as he spoke, "Harry…"
"Hermione I've been thinking all week. I'm sorry if I seemed unsure in any way. Or if I gave you the wrong impression. I'm not sure if you're worried about my commitment or… or that I'll get bored of you or something…"
"Harry, stop."
"But I promise you it's nothing like that. I've never felt this way about anyone and-" his voice faltered as he realised how much he was pouring out all at once. He felt like an absolute mess. He thought about how pathetic he must look to her now. And yet, something deep down told him he didn't care. He'd done it once before already. He let someone he loved leave. He wasn't about to do it again. Especially not with her. She meant too much to him.
"Hermione, I love-"
"Hermione!" they both spun around towards the house, startled.
Harry's entire world came crashing down. His blood froze as he stared and puzzled at what he saw.
"Someone's here to see you!" Emma informed them, and right next to her, was Ronald Weasley.
"I came. Just like you wanted. I know I'm a bit late. But the meeting ended quite quickly. We signed the deal and I'm here. Aren't you happy?" Ron asked.
Harry wasn't particularly happy or proud with himself as he eavesdropped from the kitchen. When he greeted Ron, he tried his upmost best to do it normally, but he started wondering what normal actually looks like. He expected to feel guilt of some kind when he saw him. And yet, he didn't. In fact, he felt a flame ignite within him. He felt ready to fight. Ready to prove himself worthy of Hermione. More worthy than Ron.
"Ron, I appreciate that, I truly do. But you and I both know that this was not the only reason why I broke up with you. Neither of us have been happy in a while. Don't you think we should just go back to being friends? No more arguments. No more fights. I'm done living like this." She hushed back at him.
"You're being dramatic, Hermione. It was just little fight. It's nothing we can't work around. Besides, what about the house?" Ron argued.
"We can sell it Ron. We live in London. It will sell fast."
There was a moment of silence.
"So that's that? You're just bailing? After everything we've been through. You're up and giving up on me. Because I forgot about a fucking birthday party?"
He didn't have to see her face to know how furious it must have looked, and her voice reflected it.
"I already told you. That's one of the many, many reasons. Have you actually looked at our relationship recently? If we can even call it that. We were on better terms in our first year at Hogwarts, for crying out loud!" She hissed.
Ron didn't say anything, and Harry couldn't help but wonder what was going through his best friend's head.
"Is there someone else?" He asked.
Harry's heart lurched into his chest and his mouth went dry, as he stood there, planted to the wall like a tapestry.
"W-what?" Hermione stammered.
Ron laughed, although there was no humour there.
"There's someone else." He confirmed.
"I… no… it's not-"
"How long? How long have you been cheating on me then?" He demanded.
Hermione gasped, "I didn't cheat on you. How dare you accuse me of that!"
"Stop lying Hermione, it's obvious." He barked.
"It didn't happen when we were together!" She shouted back.
"What?" He asked, in utter disbelief.
She didn't answer.
"Already? You… you left two weeks ago. And already you… I can't believe this."
"I… Ron, I didn't mean for it to-"
"Who?" He demanded, his voice poisonous.
"It doesn't matter." She prodded.
"YES IT FUCKING DOES!" He shouted.
Harry saw Dan walk past as he went out into the garden, "Okay. That's enough guys."
"Hermione… tell me." Ron hissed. He sounded manic.
Harry pushed himself away from the wall and stepped out into the garden. "I got it Dan. Please, let me deal with this."
Dan took a hard long look at the man, but then he nodded and left. Harry flicked his wrists elegantly and waved his arms through the air as he settled silencing and disillusionment charms on the space around them.
Ron and Hermione both turned to look at him. Ron looked straight at Harry. He truly couldn't know whether it was obvious on his face somehow. But in that moment his best friend huffed.
"I should have guessed. Of course. The crying shoulder."
Harry took a deep breath, knowing that whatever happened next would have permanent consequences. "Ron. Please just hear me out."
Ron seemed to have skipped that part of the thought process, as he launched straight at Harry, smashing him straight into a garden wall. Harry's adrenaline spiked as his instincts kicked in. He folded his arm and struck his elbow straight down into Ron's back, making the redhead groan in pain as he fell back.
"Ron," Harry began, but Ron had kicked him straight in the shin, making him fall. Harry winced as the pain erupted through his entire leg. Before he could collect himself, Ron was on top of him, a fist already flying in his direction.
Harry ducked his head to the left and heard a nasty crunch as Ron's fist slammed into the concrete slab of the Granger's garden patio.
"STOP!" A desperate voice cried behind them.
The redhead cried out and then groaned in pain, while Harry grabbed him and pulled him down, lifting himself up and readying his own strike. He didn't hesitate as his fist struck Ron on the nose. Rage surged through him like venom. He could feel someone tugging at his jacket. Someone had been trying to separate them this whole time. All he could see was red. The air that pumped through him was ice cold, and his muscles were tense, ready to burst.
His mind flashed back in time to Hermione's weeping face as he held her. On that sofa which had become their escape. In the house which was only his on paper.
He caused her that pain.
He wasn't worthy of her.
Yet he comes here. Demanding as if owed.
How dare he?
His fist flew into the air, and he saw its shadow across Ron's bloody face.
"HARRY!" Came the voice again. And something about the way in which it said his name got his attention.
He finally stopped. He focused on how hard he was breathing. He focused on the way he bared his teeth at his best friend. And then he stumbled back as he collapsed on the floor next to Ron, still breathing hard.
Hermione knelt down beside Ron and waved her wand over his face and hand. Ron wasn't moving, but Harry could see his eyes were open.
"Ron?" Hermione whispered.
It seemed to have started him up somehow as the redhead sat up and rubbed his fingers over his hand which had been completely broken only moments ago. "How did you do that?"
"Brackium Emendo?" She told him as if it was obvious.
Ron snorted and then some more blood came out of his nose, "Didn't reckon that spell worked. Considering Lockhart was the one to use it himself."
"That's because Lockhart was an idiot," Harry muttered,
Ron laughed darkly and wiped at his nose, staining his hand in blood, "Fuck you, Harry."
"Stop it," Hermione ordered them.
"Episkey," Harry whispered and waved his hand over the air between them.
Ron coughed and choked as his nose cracked back into place.
"Fuck you too." Harry added, "And you're welcome."
"Just…why? Like a sister. You said. You said… at the forest, you said-" Ron began but Harry cut him off.
"All that you desire is possible. And all that you dread is also possible." Harry whispered, his eyes hard.
Ron's eyes widened in shock as he stared at Harry. Moments passed in silence as Hermione looked between them in utter confusion. Then Ron looked back at his best friend and huffed. Some kind of strange understanding sparked between them. Perhaps in that moment, Ron understood just how easy it would have been for Harry to end that fight. Maybe a part of Harry wanted Ron to be afraid. But it was gone as fast as it came.
Ron lifted himself up back onto his feet.
"Ron…" Hermione began, but he disapparated before she could say anything else.
Harry waved his hand once more and the charms he'd placed had been lifted. The sound of the party came to meet them, and Hermione knelt down beside Harry.
"What… what was that you just said to him?" She asked.
Harry looked back at her, "The forest of Dean. The locket. It showed us. We were together. It was Ron's greatest fear. That's what got him to destroy it in the end."
Hermione wore a similar shocked expression to Ron's as Harry explained. Soon enough, understanding washed over her and then she looked at him with a deep sadness. Straight into his emerald green eyes, and Harry could feel what they were trying to say.
This is what she feared would happen. This is exactly what she was trying to avoid. She didn't want them to hate each other. But now it seemed too late.
"I told you. I don't care. You're worth it."
"Harry…"
He stood up and she followed him to the gazebo bench. They sat down and Harry groaned as his back complained at him.
"Are you okay?" She asked, worried.
Harry nodded, "Been a while since I've had a proper scuffle is all." He waved his hands in front of her, "All this wandless magic stuff has made me kind of lazy."
Hermione grimaced, "You love the wandless magic."
He grinned at her, "I do."
They sat for a long minute, neither of them knowing what to say.
"I'm sorry." She said finally, and he turned to look at her.
"I'm being completely horrible, I know. Would you believe me if I said I'm having a bit of a hard time processing everything that has happened in the last couple weeks?"
Harry nodded.
She looked very hesitant. Scared almost. "This probably isn't the best time for confessions. But you should probably know."
"What is it?" He asked.
She hesitated again, and then breathed out deeply, "I… I've had feelings for you for a long time, Harry."
His heart stopped again as he stared at her.
"I shut myself away from whatever I felt because it was ridiculous. Hermione Granger and Harry Potter. It was nothing but fantasies and daydreams. But… what happened between us, I never intended for it. I've locked myself away from those feelings a long time ago. I was happy being your friend. It was the next best thing. But that night… you just kept doing everything I could have ever dreamed of. The hiking… the dinner… the dance… I felt like I was dreaming again. Only when I woke up the next morning did I realise the difference."
She shifted slightly under his gaze as she confessed to him. Her lips quivering and her eyes bright.
"You have made my dreams come true these last couple weeks. And the things you've said. If only you knew just how much they meant to me. How badly I wish they were true."
His voice broke as he answered, "But Hermione, they are!"
She shook her head, "Harry. We've just both gone through breaks ups. You got broken up with, and I broke up with someone. It was a perfect match. It was a rebound. A replacement to fill the emptiness we've been feeling. But I don't believe it will last. I think… I know a day will come when you won't feel like this towards me. You say it now because you miss having someone. But when you fully heal from Ginny. You won't need me anymore. And I… I don't know if I could survive that."
She was crying now, and it broke his heart.
"I love you too much." She wept, as she buried her face in her hands.
Harry couldn't move. He was utterly shocked.
She loved him.
When he could feel his legs again, he stood up and went down to his knees in front of her. He put his hands on hers and pulled them away from her wet face.
"What can I say to make you believe?" He begged.
He saw the answer in her eyes. But he couldn't say it. What is she was right?
When Harry fell for Ginny, he was certain that he knew love in that moment. And yet… as time went on. As he spent the last week with Hermione, he realised that perhaps love was something entirely different. Perhaps love wasn't just about caring deeply for someone. Perhaps there was more to it. He was beginning to understand that. But for Merlin's sake what if she was right?
What if this was just a temporary feeling? What if it faded. What if he'd end up breaking the heart of someone he cared about so much? He wouldn't be able to live with himself.
Why did it all have to be so bloody confusing?
"There's nothing you can say right now, Harry." She told him.
"Then what do I do? I don't know if I can live without you." He confessed.
Her eyes widened in that same manner as last time. He could see the effect his words had on her now. He could see how much it meant to her, and just how hard she was fighting to resist. To protect her own fragile heart.
"If… you wait." She told him, as she wiped at her eyes.
"Wait?"
She nodded, "Give it some time. If you truly feel the way you say you do. Would you wait for me?"
Harry nodded eagerly, "Of course I would. I'd wait however long it took."
She smiled at his words, "Then let's wait."
"How will we know we're ready?" He asked, confused.
She held her smile as she brought her hand to his face, "Trust me. You'll know."
Being back home made him feel horrible. Time. It felt like time would become his enemy again.
Weeks passed and he focused on work. He didn't hear from her or from Ron. He didn't see her at the ministry at all, and when he cornered her deputy head, he'd confessed she was on an extended sabbatical. Harry huffed at that and then retired back to his office.
Days slowly shifted into September and Harry once again felt a spike of Nostalgia as he thought about the Hogwarts Express which would be leaving for Hogwarts today. It made him jealous. He missed being a kid. He decided to cheer himself up by switching on the dee-vee-dee when…
KNOCK KNOCK
His head shot up as he jogged to the front door. His heart was thundering as her face flashed around in his mind. He pulled at the handle eagerly and almost smiled as the door flew open.
"Hey,"
His face almost fell as he stared.
"Mind if I… come in?"
"Ginny?"
He was completely dumbfounded.
"Hello, Harry."
He opened the door wider, and she came in, shrugging off her coat as she went. This had once been her house too. She knew where everything was.
"I thought you'd have changed the place a little." She commented as she hung up her coat.
Harry shook his head, "Didn't see a reason to." His mind was going a thousand miles an hour.
Ginny smiled and hugged him.
Harry wasn't ready for it and he tensed as she wrapped her arms around him. Soon enough, his arms landed on her back, as he patted her.
She smelled good. As good as he remembered.
Ginny was a big fan of makeup, and she wore it well. Her pale and perfect skin went flawlessly along with her straight fiery red hair. She really was very beautiful.
"Come. Sit." He invited her to the kitchen table. "Tea?"
"Yes, please." She smiled and sat down.
They continued in complete silence as Harry made tea. Harry noted internally that it was nowhere near as comfortable as the silence he'd been accustomed to with Hermione. It was like night and day.
"Thanks." She mouthed as she took the mug from him.
"So… what brings you here?" Harry asked, trying to sound rather casual.
Ginny blew at the hot tea and then sipped it carefully, trying to frame the best answer, "I've only just come back to the country. Been away for the qualifiers in Asia."
Harry scratched at his neck, "That sounds… cool." It made sense. She didn't know. She hasn't spoken with Ron yet.
"I've… been thinking… about us."
Harry's eyebrows shot up, "Us?"
Ginny nodded gingerly, "Yes. Us. I miss you, Harry."
Harry nearly choked on his own saliva, "You miss me?"
Ginny nodded again and smiled, "I know. It took me a while. But I… I finally feel like I know what I want from life. These past months I've been travelling. Playing. Meeting new people. And no matter what happened, my thoughts always brought me back here." She spread her arms, motioning at their house.
"They always brought me back to you."
Harry couldn't believe his ears. Only five weeks ago he would have been thrilled for this. Now he was conflicted. Sceptical.
Ginny stood up and walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist, "I want you back, Harry. I need you back. Please. Forgive me. Let's give us another chance."
Harry slid out from under her hold and shook his head, "I don't understand Ginny. You left. You said you were tired of this life."
She nodded sadly, "I know. But I needed to Harry. I needed to go and see what life had to offer. And now that I have, I know this is the best thing I've ever had. I don't want anything else. I just needed to realise it first. I hoped the time we'd spent separated would help you too."
"I don't know, Gin. It's all so… weird." He confessed.
"Please, Harry. You don't have to choose now. Just… think about it. I know now that I want nothing - No one other than you. I'm willing to spend the rest of my life with you. I want us to have a family. To live out the rest of our days together." She was holding him again, her forehead pressed against his.
And then she kissed him.
It was a familiar feeling. He knew this taste very well.
Ginny was very different. With her, it was like fire. It burned and raged. Until it burned out, only to relight again. Heat formed between them quickly as she ran her fingers through his unruly hair. She moaned into his mouth as he kissed her back. His hands acted on their own as they trailed up her sweater and over her naked back.
She bent lower and pressed her lips to his neck, licking and kissing at his pulse.
It felt amazing. But this was fire. An untamed and dangerous flame. One that he'd tested before and been burned badly. This wasn't the electricity he had gotten used to so well. It wasn't the pleasurable current which had welcomed him so. There was no static energy here. No tension or honour. Only burning desire. The need to consume.
His hands shifted back to her waist, and he pulled her back, away from him.
She was breathing heavily against him, trying to find her way back to his mouth.
"Wait, Ginny."
She smiled and pulled away, "Sorry. I really did miss you. Guess I didn't know how much until now."
Harry couldn't help but smile, He'd forgotten how easy it was with Ginny. She always took the lead. She made her wishes known. She was very vain in that sense. And a part of him loved that.
"I've missed you too, Gin."
She beamed at him, and the smile spread warmth across his body, "Harry. I don't need you to make a choice today, like I said. But please. Just think about it. I know I don't deserve to just come back into your life and demand that you give me another chance. But if you feel like you'd want to… just know that I'm ready. Please… think about it."
She pulled in close once more and kissed him gently on the cheek, "I'll come back in a few days." She told him, before shuffling out of the kitchen. Harry knew she'd find her way out. And he collapsed at his kitchen table when the front door closed.
He spent the next several days splitting himself in two. On one hand, he knew he loved Ginny. He loved the flame. It was a different love, but love nonetheless. But on the other hand, was Hermione Granger. When the lightning struck him, he was unprepared. It was like nothing he'd ever experienced. Hermione made him feel complete. When he was with her… everything felt right. It was like the world no longer needed to spin. The sun didn't need to shine. He had her. And that's all that mattered.
"Would you wait for me?"
Her voice felt like a cold breeze on a hot summer's day.
And so he would wait. He knew he had to. Maybe the choice had come too easily. Maybe he wasn't thinking enough.
And yet.
It felt almost painfully obvious.
At that moment, Harry knew. He would wait.
Ginny would come back at some point, and he would have to explain to her. If Ron hadn't done so already by now. He would have to.
KNOCK KNOCK
"Speak of the devil." He thought to himself as he proceeded down the hallway. He braced himself for the difficult conversation he was about to have. Some part of him hoped that Ginny would understand.
The first thing his brain told him was that it was raining. The next, this very rain now also fell upon very familiar golden-brown locks which he loved very dearly.
"Harry."
Her eyes were bright and perfect, and her voice made him tremble.
"Hermione." It felt like ecstasy to finally say her name out loud. He loved saying that name.
And then something in her eyes captured his interest. An urgency. A certain fear.
"Harry… I'm…"
The rain trickled down her hair and across her cheeks as it soaked into her jacket and shirt.
"I'm pregnant."
Even the rain stopped just then.
.
.
.
What?