Note: Hello!
Thank you so much for the support. It means a lot, you know? And I do get some things you pointed out about the story. But well, we have many chapters to go… a lot to happen and such… hehe.
Yeah, Tessa is not going to make things easy.
And, now that Ron is back, he'll be an important person in all of this mess, so, we'll have some moments in his POV too.
Hope you enjoy this chapter!
October 31st, 2003
Hermione suggested they should do this on Halloween and he didn't disagree. In fact, is an amazing idea. He loved it. It's a day that he would rather erase from existence, so, to go through it drunk is actually perfect.
They're throwing the stag parties for Draco and Gin. At separated places but at the same time. Rachel is staying with Molly and they have the whole day to enjoy. Harry has no idea what Hermione planned for Ginny, but he put together a magical casino where they can play and gamble all they want. They're all dressed in costumes and masks. Harry invited all of Draco's friends and they just arrived at the location.
It's nice that Draco actually is extremely excited and surprised by it. He thanked Harry many times. But there wasn't a way of messing up with this. Draco grew up in the high society. Gambling was like breathing to his parents and he enjoys it a lot. Scattered around there are all kinds of card games and also a Quidditch field in miniature. The players are magical animated toys that play independently and they can gamble on it. It's very fun. Not to mention the luxurious chess board at a corner. It's a big deal for wizards and they're eager to bet a lot of money there.
Harry thought a lot about it and decided that he would hire erotic dancers. He knows Ginny might kill him if she finds out, but he also knows that Draco will like it. And it's not like the dancers will get close to them. It's just a… show.
He tries not thinking that Tessa would probably kill him too. He sips on the Firewhiskey. This night has no hour to end and he wants to get smashed. Since he kissed Tessa and they got back together, his life has been crazy. Calm yet stressful. Hot yet cold. Good yet strange. Exciting yet boring.
He can't explain.
Ginny and Draco know that they're together now. Fuck, Tessa moved to his house. They're living together. But he asked them not to share this with Hermione. It's a cowardly move. She has the right to know. And maybe even Rachel already told her, but he fears the moment she knows for sure. He fears a conversation that he's not even sure is going to happen. They haven't seen each other since that day. Draco and Ginny are intermediating her days with Rachel and Harry doesn't ask about her. They don't tell him anything either. He only talked with Hermione through letters in order to organize these parties.
And it crosses his mind that Tessa herself will tell Hermione. Tonight. He gulps, his heart beating faster. He was an idiot. He should have told her. It's-
"Are you going to play?"
He looks up. Harry is sitting at the chess board table, Draco and his friends are drinking and laughing like crazy close by the miniature Quidditch. The man in front of Harry is not someone he invited, yet, he's there.
"Ron." He says faintly.
It's been a long time. And it's so odd to see Ron there, smiling. He looks different and his posture is also one of someone that is confident of himself.
Ron sits in front of him and takes off his mask. "Hi, Harry."
"What are you doing here?" He's genuinely very surprised.
Ron snorts a chuckle. "Draco invited me." He points at Draco, who is cheering wildly at the small Quidditch players. "Go on, let's play." He motions to the chess board, leaning a bit forward. "Or are you too afraid of losing for the hundredth time?"
Harry straightens his back on the chair and clears his throat, also taking off his mask. It's been a while since he last played this game, but he's sure Ron - wherever he was - has been practicing. He loves it too much to stop.
And they play in silence for a few minutes. Harry is aware that some already noticed them and are gambling on who's gonna win.
After a while, Ron asks, "So, how's life, Harry?"
He doesn't exactly wants to talk. It's… what Ron did to Hermione. How he broke her heart repeatedly and just vanished was something that never sat well with Harry.
"Good." He says in a strained voice, trying to find the best way to stay alive in the game. He knows Ron is steering him to a trap. "You?" He asks but he doesn't care.
"Amazing." Ron says excitedly when Harry moves a pawn. He wastes no time in making his next move and goes back to watching Harry. "I really enjoy living in Paris."
Harry's eyes shoot to Ron. The man is smiling, an eyebrow raised, an amused expression on his face.
"You're living in Paris?" He asks, dumbfounded.
"Yes. It's an incredible city." Ron shrugs, sipping on his drink. "I heard Tessa woke up." He states slowly. Harry tenses. "You must be thrilled, right? You finally got her back." Harry gulps and his eyes go back to the game. He's not going to talk about Tessa with Ron. "I mean, time is a funny thing, isn't it?" He doesn't open his mouth. "When I first asked you about Hermione you told me she was like a sister to you." Harry bites on his tongue, not wanting to have this conversation, but Ron continues, "Then you fell in love with her cousin, then you ran away from it and the woman actually fell asleep for almost three years!" Ron says a bit louder and Harry makes a move on the board, their eyes meeting. "I heard about you and Hermione." He states in a strange tone. "It's a pity that it didn't work out." Ron clicks his tongue, "But I'm happy in a way, otherwise I don't think it would have been so easy for us to reconnect like we did in Paris." He winks at Harry and moves the Queen on the board.
His throat is dry. He doesn't care about the game. Ron is in contact with Hermione-
"Ah, by the way, Rachel is so big! What a beautiful daughter, Harry." Harry fists a hand. "I thought she wouldn't remember me, but she's so smart. She even tried pulling my hair like she used to do."
Gritting his teeth, he looks back at the board. His mind is reeling. Hermione and Ron- it- Rachel didn't mention Ron when she came back from spending her time with Hermione, but he was obviously with them. With Hermione and Rachel and- he drinks the rest of his Firewhiskey in one big gulp.
"Ow, there, it's just the beginning of the night." Ron teases him.
"Shut up." Harry hisses. Ron smiles. "Just shut up." He says in a low voice, the anger boiling inside him. There's only one consuming thought in his head: Are they back together? Because if Hermione- it- He doesn't even know what he's thinking. He can't function right now. Harry moves a knight on the board just to get it over with, he knows he already lost.
Ron sighs. "You never learned how to play this game properly, huh? Checkmate." He knocks Harry's King. Raising from the chair in front of Harry, Ron leans a bit closer to him to speak in a lower voice, "And what a low blow, Harry. Not telling Hermione about you and Tessa." Harry is furious. He seizes Ron's tie, wanting to punch him.
"What are you talking about?"
"Rachel told her. She told her that mama Tessa is living with you. That you sleep in the same room." Ron raises an eyebrow. "At least, for me, Hermione was always the one, not a substitute-"
Harry shoves Ron. Hard. A silence settles in the room. The others are watching. "She was never a substitute or a second choice!" He almost yells.
Ron laughs loudly. "Yeah, keep telling yourself that!" Shaking his head he turns to the others. "What? Let's party, people!"
Draco gives Harry a look and he sits back down, completely shaken. He doesn't want to ruin his friend's party. And he knows that if he goes after Ron they'll end up beating the shit out of each other. But his heart is squeezing inside his chest.
Mostly because he knows that what Ron said is what Hermione must be thinking. That she meant nothing to him. That she was just there filling in for Tessa. And now that Tessa is back, he doesn't want her anymore, he doesn't love her anymore.
Shit. He closes his eyes. But how in the world can he even talk to Hermione now? Reality is… he's with Tessa.
He drinks some more, watching the others having fun, wondering how things are going between Tessa and Hermione.
She knew she would have to face Tessa sooner or later. If she had a choice she would choose later. Much later. But well-
Hermione put together a nice party for Ginny. It's inside an actual girls' club. With dancers. Almost naked men. She's sure Harry hired erotic dancers. She's sure. So, she didn't think twice. And it was the best choice she made since Ginny is having the best time ever: Laughing loudly and hugging her and her friends all the time, stating how amazing this is, yelling that she can't believe she's about to marry a Malfoy and that these men are hot and she'll have to sleep with the same one till she dies!
She can't stop herself from laughing and enjoying this night with Ginny. Some booze and hot men were all it took. Hermione also put together a nice corner of some adult trick-or-treating. The single women there are enjoying themselves immensely. The party is going well.
But, yeah. Tessa.
Her cousin is avoiding her. Not that it's a bad thing. But Hermione thought Tessa would at least have the minimal consideration - after everything - and be honest. Tell her about Harry. About the fact that they're back together. About the fact that they're living together. Hermione was expecting something like this. And also something about Rachel. How things are going with them and such.
But no. It's like Tessa can't even see Hermione in the room. She's not sure she's relieved or angry. Well, she's angry with Harry. That's for sure. If she was expecting something from Tessa she can't even measure how it hurt that Harry wasn't even able to write to her to say that he's with Tessa now. Hermione is aware that he doesn't necessarily owes her anything, and that's what makes everything worse. Just because is not an obligation he simply decided he wouldn't tell her and that's it. As if she were never part of his life. As if they didn't raise his daughter together-
She goes to the washroom and stays there, looking at herself in the mirror. She's not a hypocrite. She's going out with the French healer. She already slept with him. But even so… Harry and Tessa. She lowers her head, taking a deep breath. At least tonight she doesn't have to face them together, but at the wedding-
The door opens and Tessa enters. For a second it seems like she's going to step back into the party, but their eyes meet and she stays. It's a tense moment. Hermione has no idea if she should say something or-
"Hey." Tessa says, a small smile on her face. "I- how are you?" She goes to the sink, washing her hands, "We didn't get a chance to talk-"
"Because you're ignoring me." Hermione blurts out, not feeling that nice after so many drinks. "Why?"
Tessa exhales heavily. "I don't think we need this conversation, Hermione. Not drunk. Not tonight."
"I think we do need it." She crosses her arms. "Stop running away from responsibilities, Tessa. Life is not always going to be solved by your father for you." This doesn't even make sense. But she's drunk. And she's hurt. And she wants to hurt someone else.
"How dare you!" She says through her teeth.
"Are you going to deny it? Oh, please. Leonard always took care of your mistakes, didn't he?"
Tessa snorts. "Are you attacking me because you're jealous? Because I'm living my life now? The life that you thought was yours? The life that you thought you could take-"
"Oh, please. You talk as if I forced Harry-"
"Harry's mine!" Tessa takes a step to her, they're practically the same height. "You stay the fuck away from him." It's a clear threat and Hermione snorts, tilting her head.
"Do I have to stay away from him? Are you scared he might change his mind?" There's only venom in Hermione's voice.
Tessa visibly flinches. "Don't be ridiculous, Hermione." She's talking in a low voice. "I was always his choice, you know that. And we're so good together." Hermione gulps, the jealousy seizing her heart. "We have a daughter. Wake up. We're happy. He doesn't even remember you. Not when I'm in his arms-"
"I never thought you would drop so low. Not after everything I've done for you-"
"What the fuck have you done?! I trusted you with all I had to come back from a coma and have my daughter calling you mama? Please!" Tessa yells. "Fuck off, Hermione. You slept with Harry! How could you?" Hermione recoils a bit at that.
"We fell in love, Tessa." She whispers, wanting the pain to go away.
"No! You were living a dream! Fuck, Hermione, for a while I suspected that you might love him when we were teenagers. I remember the way you talked about him, with care and affection. Fascination. But then you told me you were in love with Ron and I never gave it a second thought."
"Things change."
Tessa snorts. "Yeah, they just changed again. I'm not the one who needs to face reality here. You are. Get a life, Hermione."
And without another word, Tessa exits the washroom.
She's in shock. Totally and completely shocked. She never, not in a thousand lives, imagined she would become… Tessa's enemy. Fuck. This situation is awful. Terrible. The worst.
Hermione looks at herself in the mirror. She should step away from their lives. She should end any kind of contact with them.
But she already has done so much. She has given everything to Harry. To Rachel. To Tessa's recovery.
She doesn't care about their relationship. If Harry wants to marry Tessa, she doesn't give a shit. But she's not going to give up on Rachel. Never. She made a promise to be there for this little girl and she's going to fulfill this promise.
Inhaling deeply, she goes back to the party.
Fuck Tessa.
When she sees Ron, Hermione laughs. And she goes to him.
"What the fuck are you doing here?" She gives him a kiss on the cheek. He returns the gesture.
"Wow, how much have you drunk?" He makes a face. "You stink of alcohol."
She shrugs. "Who cares?"
"I don't." He smiles, then he looks around. "Nice party." He points at Ginny putting galleons into a man's underwear. "Neat. Draco is doing the same."
Hermione laughs. "I knew it. This is payback. We deserve it too." He nods, agreeing. Then, it hits her. "You were there! Have you-"
"Yeah, I talked to Harry." He pulls her further into a corner and puts up a spell that muffles the sounds around them, making it possible to talk without yelling. "The plan of being his friend again and all that was a big no." Hermione makes a face. "And I might have been a bit mean."
"Ron! Why?"
"Because he's a prick!" He says, exasperated. Then, he makes a face too. "And I don't know, I'm not sure I know how to be his friend again. I feel like he hates me for everything that happened between us." He motions from him to her. "Not that he can put himself on a pedestal on this matter, for fuck's sake, but well…" Ron trails and she squints.
"What are you not telling me?"
"I may have hinted that we're back together." He gives her an apologetic smile. Hermione only snorts.
"Was it necessary?" She puts two fingers on her temple. "I mean, whatever, I don't care what he's gonna think. Not anymore." She sighs. "Tessa was awful to me. Not that I was that nice, but even so." Shrugging, she lets her eyes roam the room. Tessa is having a blast too.
"I hope you've also enjoyed these naked men, look at those muscles." He jokes and she lets out a sad chuckle, shaking her head.
"I have." She winks at him and he smiles.
"Hey, I swear, it'll pass."
And Ron hugs her, tightly. Hermione doesn't want to cry but she can feel some tears behind her eyes. She does her best to hold them back and then, a commotion makes them separate.
Harry's there. Of course. He went to fetch Tessa. It's a pain in the ass that she can't apparate, he's practically her transportation. Ron tenses by her side, holding her hand. Hermione takes the moment to observe Harry without his knowledge. He seems a bit drunk. And it's clear that he's looking for Tessa. Everyone is yelling at him in a playful way. And he's laughing. But when his eyes do find Tessa, he opens that smile.
Hermione bites on her lower lip.
"I think we should pretend that we're together. Just to piss him off." Ron says.
She turns to him, narrowing her eyes. "This is not some elaborated plan to get back with me, is it? Because, Ron, we both agreed that-"
"It's not. I swear." He seems sincere. "I just hate this situation. Before we were a couple, we were best friends and I know how much this hurts you. I mean, if I can try to make it easier in any way, I'm here, okay?"
She glances at Harry. He's walking to Tessa. She still hasn't seen him, entertained with the dancer in front of her.
Hermione's eyes go back to Ron.
"But we don't even live here, Ron. I mean, what's the purpose of pretending that we're together?"
He brings her closer by the waist. "He's looking at us." Hermione stops herself from glancing at Harry and instinctively she puts both arms around his neck. "See? I bet he's jealous now."
"I doubt it very much. He only has eyes for Tessa."
"Anyway, we can pretend at the wedding and whenever we come here for any kind of gathering. Now that I'm back into everyone's lives, I intend on appearing at birthdays and such." He kisses her cheek as if they're in an intimate moment.
Hermione sighs. "Well, it's a bit childish. To pretend like that just to provoke him. But I think I'll need this help at the wedding, Ron. Thank you."
He moves to look into her eyes. "Anytime!" He smiles brightly and she smiles back. Then, he glances at his watch, "We can start right now. Wanna go? We can leave together. I have to work early tomorrow."
"Fuck, me too." They laugh. "Yeah, let's go." She moves as if wanting to apparate, but he stops her.
"Hermione, come on. Not like that. We have to make a scene. He's still there with Tessa, talking to Ginny. We need to say our goodbyes, after all you put this thing together. Ginny surely wants to talk with you before you leave."
He has a point. And she dares looking in their direction. They're in a conversation. Harry is embracing Tessa and she's leaning against his shoulder, their eyes on Ginny and whatever she's saying. They look relaxed. And it brings out the worst in her.
Hermione takes Ron's hand and they walk together to Ginny, who soon spots them and yells in excitement. Harry and Tessa turn around to look too. Hermione sees the way his expression changes and his hand leaves Tessa's waist, his eyes falling on the way her fingers are intertwined with Ron's.
"My MADE OF HONOR!" Ginny yells and hugs Hermione, forcing her to release Ron. Harry and Tessa don't move. They're frozen in place. "And my BROTHER!" Ginny hugs Ron tightly and he laughs. Hermione laughs with them. "You're so cute!"
"Okay, there, there, Gin. Maybe you should stop drinking-"
"Oh! Don't be a pain in the ass, Ron! Drink with me!"
Her happiness is a bit contagious and Hermione relaxes. "Gin, we're actually going!" She says in a firm voice, her eyes falling on Harry. He's looking at her. There's anger and… shame in his gaze. She does not care. Hermione is so angry. "We wanted to say goodbye!"
"Oh?" Ginny blinks a few times. "Already? Stay!" She pouts, holding one of Hermione's hands and one of Ron's. "We still need to drink shots from their bodies!" She points to the dancers with her head and Ron makes a face.
"I'll pass on that!" He jokes, bringing Hermione closer to him. "We have to work early tomorrow!"
Ginny playfully boos them. But then she hugs them again.
Hermione kisses her cheek. "Did you enjoy it? Was it a nice party?" She asks sincerely.
"The best! Hermione, you're the best!" And it finally seems that Ginny is noticing that Ron is holding her in a way that- "Wait a MINUTE! ARE YOU TWO TOGETHER?" Ginny opens her mouth, looking at Harry and Tessa, "Look at this!" Harry presses his lips together, his eyes heavy on them. Tessa is only squinting. "I can't believe it! Since when?"
Hermione shares a look with Ron and he kisses her cheek. "It's recent!" He tells Ginny, smiling.
"Oh, mum is gonna be so happy!"
Squeezing Ron's side, Hermione laughs. "Indeed!" She agrees. "So, see you soon, Gin?"
"Sure! Sure! I'm so happy for you! We're gonna be sisters-in-law!" She hugs them again, and when she turns around to the dancers, she already forgot their presence.
Harry, though, is still looking at them.
Ron moves, extending a hand to Harry. "See you, mate." Harry does not move. Ron shrugs. "Bye, Tessa." He waves a hand. Hermione doesn't even try to say a goodbye, and, with their bodies glued on their sides, they walk to the exit.
Ron is laughing. "Did you see his face?" He asks into her ear. "Priceless."
"I actually think the only thing bothering him is you. And where are we going?"
"To the exit."
"We should apparate out to fetch a Portkey."
"Listen, Harry is probably driving home with Tessa. I bet he's with a car outside. It's another chance to provoke him."
Hermione rolls her eyes but doesn't say a thing and when they exit the club, the chilly air from the night invades her lungs and she feels instantly a bit sober. Ron smiles, their hands together. Then, he presses her against the wall, looking at the door.
"Any minute now." He whispers.
"Are you going to kiss me?" She tilts her head, observing his ginger beard.
"Can I?"
The door opens. Hermione is the one who pulls him to her. Their lips meet and she closes her eyes. Kissing Ron is not a novelty. He squeezes her waist and his tongue meets hers-
The door bangs so loudly that it actually startles them and they separate. Hermione blinks. Harry is there, Tessa too. Hermione clears her throat, but Ron doesn't move, he's still holding her close to him. They don't utter a word, until…
Turning to Tessa, Harry says, "Wait here, I'll fetch the car."
He only gives them another dirty look before walking down the street. Ron finally takes a step back from her. She can't stand being in the same place with Tessa, so, she whispers to him, "Let's go."
"In a second, I'll meet you there."
She gives him a strange look, but he nods and after a few beats, she apparates.
Ron observes Tessa.
She's leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, a sour expression on her face. Even so, she's beautiful. It's undeniable. He understands the fatal attraction Harry felt for her when they met. Tessa has a natural seductive aura around her, Ron is sure she gets whatever she wants, whenever she wants.
"What?" She asks in an angry tone. By her voice he can tell she's not that drunk.
"Nothing." He shrugs. "You don't have to treat me so badly. I never did a thing to you." He points out in an ironic way.
She snorts. "Indeed. I have nothing against you, Ron. In fact, I wish you and Hermione all the best, like I've always done in the past."
He pockets his hands. "So generous of you."
She sighs. "Go on, you can say whatever you want." She moves a hand to make a point, fed up with his presence.
It… intrigues him. He never spent that much time with Tessa, only when he was at the flat with Hermione, but on those times Tessa was consumed by Rachel, so, they barely talked. However, they always treated each other nicely. In friendly terms and such.
"Why are you being a bitch to Hermione?" Tessa rolls her eyes. "She has done everything for you-"
"She did it for herself." Tessa cuts him. He waits for her to continue. "Since the beginning. Because it was Harry's daughter. Because it was Harry, Ron. You know that. It- Do you think she didn't enjoy their life together? It was everything she ever wanted."
Ron tilts his head and takes a few steps to Tessa. She's even more beautiful up close. And she smells heavenly.
"Do you think I'm an idiot for wanting to be with her, then? Because as you say, it feels like it was always Harry. As if it's always going to be Harry."
"That's what I think." She shrugs.
"Aren't you an idiot too, then?" She squints. "I've known them since we were eleven, Tessa. Don't fool yourself. For Harry… it's always going to be Hermione." He winks at her, amused by her shocked expression.
Then, with a smile, he apparates.
November 2nd, 2003
Something changed after the party.
He chews his breakfast slowly, observing Tessa. She's excitedly talking to Rachel, ignoring him. Harry doesn't know if she talked with Hermione on that night. He has no idea. But things seemed fine, and then, when she entered the car, she was behaving oddly.
Maybe it's the way he reacted when he saw Ron with Hermione. He knows Tessa noticed how it messed with him. Harry made the walk to the car cursing every little thing he could think of. He felt an unnatural jealousy when he opened that door and saw Ron's tongue inside Hermione's mouth. But he knew there was nothing he could do or say, or demand. He… he wants her to be happy. And maybe Ron could give her this. Who is Harry to meddle with her life now?
He gulps, the food tasting sourly. He still thinks about Ginny saying that they're going to be sisters-in-law. Could it be? Will Ron finally get his chance at proposing to Hermione? Will she say yes?
"I was thinking that we should head out to the countryside today." Tessa says. He looks at her.
"I- You know I have that important cooking lesson with the most renowned magical chef-"
"Ah, come on, can't you skip it?"
"You know how much I want this." He tilts his head, but Tessa only raises an eyebrow. "We can go to the countryside tomorrow if you want to."
"I wanna go today." She shrugs. "It's a beautiful day and I think we could take some amazing photos." She smiles at Rachel. "Right, baby girl? Do you wanna go?"
Rachel nods, chewing on her chocolate waffles. Tessa doesn't make them in animal shapes like Hermione used to-
"Tess, I can't today." He states. "I've been waiting weeks for this lesson."
"Harry, what's the big deal? Why bother with these lessons?"
He frowns, taken aback. "I… I like them."
"Yeah, but are you going to do something with them? Open a restaurant or something? Because I take photos to sell, because I want to make a name for myself in the industry." Her voice is soft but her words hurt. What is she saying? That his passion is silly? That it doesn't mean as much as hers because he's not profiting with it? "Don't get me wrong, but if you do nothing with this, what's the point?"
"Why does it have to have a point? I enjoy cooking, Tessa. I love it. And well, maybe I can turn it into a bigger dream someday, but for now I'm very satisfied with the way things are."
She purses her lips but says nothing. A strange silence settles. Harry begins to feel uncomfortable, as if cooking is… wrong. As if it doesn't matter. He looks at the eggs on his plate and feels a sudden repulsion. Since he started these lessons and such, he never felt like they were silly, he never felt like he was wasting his time. And Hermione always supported him, she used to brag about living with such an amazing cook. She used to ask him about his lessons and listen to his every word. He lost count on how many nights they spent together drinking some wine and enjoying what he'd just cooked.
He clears his throat. Tessa is washing the dishes now, her back to him. She seems defeated, angry. And he feels guilty. About this and about the way he behaved at the party-
"I- maybe I can skip the lesson, then. Do you really wanna go today?"
"I'll go today, Harry, regardless what you're going to do. If you wanna go to the lesson I can call my father to go with me and Rach-"
"There's no need for this. I just said I can skip the lesson."
She turns around. Then, she smiles. "Amazing, then, I'll prepare a bag for us."
He lowers his head when she exits the kitchen. Yeah, okay, then.
November 3rd, 2003
Hermione is kissing the French healer. His name is Gustave. And, oh, shit, he knows how to kiss. They have a nice thing going on. He doesn't want a relationship and she doesn't want to fall in love and have her heart broken, so, she considers the way they have casual sex an amazing deal.
He presses her against the couch, kissing eagerly, his hands on her body, going under her dress and finding her clit. She moans softly and-
An apparition stops them.
"Oh, shit! I'm so sorry!"
It's Ron.
Hermione closes her eyes and snorts. Gustave is chuckling. She likes that he has a sense of humor. He wants to get up and leave, but she holds him there.
"Ron, what is it?"
He clicks his tongue, not ashamed at all now that he's looking at them in such a compromising position.
"Hey, Gustave." He greets the man, who nods shortly in response, burying his face in Hermione's neck, his blond hair tickling her nose. She laughs and sneezes at the same time. "I thought you were alone! But well, Ginny invited us to dinner tonight. Maybe I should tell her you'll be busy?"
Hermione's fingers go into Gustave's hair and she murmurs into his ear, in French. She's asking if he plans to stay for the night. He answers that no, they can have their fun and then he'll be gone.
This is perfect.
"Okay, I'll go to the dinner. Now, Ron, leave."
With just a wink and a mischievous smile, he apparates.
"Hey, Tess!" Harry calls to her after reading the short note Ginny sent them. "Ginny is asking if we want to have dinner there tonight!"
She might be in the attic. Tessa spends most of her time there when she's not with Rachel. Looking at the photos and organizing them, sorting everything out. So, he heads there when there's no answer from her. Rachel is at the School.
Tessa is indeed on the floor, sitting with her legs under her and going through many pictures in her hands. It's like she's in another planet. And Harry knows that he looks the same when he's cooking- he doesn't want to go there. Their day yesterday was terrible because he went against his will and she didn't give a damn about his internal conflict. It sucked.
"Hey." He calls in a gentle tone and she turns her head to look at him, opening a huge smile. He loves her smile. Sometimes it still strikes him how unbelievably unreal it is that she's there, alive. Well. "Wanna have dinner at Gin and Draco's tonight?"
Tessa scrunches her nose. "Again? Don't we see them all the time?" Harry blinks a few times, not getting her point.
"So? They're our friends."
"Yeah, well, maybe next week?" Her eyes are back on the photos in her hand, "I mean, I prefer to stay in. You, me and Rachel." And she goes back to her stuff like this is not even an issue.
Harry sets his jaw. "I want to go."
She raises an eyebrow, looking at him again. "Oh, well, you can go, then." Her voice wavers and he sees the way she presses her lips together, as if about to cry. Harry falters. It's… he doesn't want to leave her, but he sure wished she could at least consider going.
He sighs. "I'll just visit them later, then. After dinner, for a drink, maybe."
Tessa nods. "Okay, good." And she calls him to her with a hand. Harry goes and leans. He knows she wants a kiss. And the kiss is nice. Like always. "I love you." She says, looking into his eyes.
Harry feels a sudden nervousness, but he smiles. "Love you too." It comes out fast and he gives her a peck. Then, he leaves her there.
Hermione is having an amazing time with her friends. Since she reconnected with Ron, living in Paris has been easier. More fun. More bright. They're together all the time, except when they're at work, when Ron is having fun with one of the many women he goes out with or when Hermione is with Gustave.
And that's exactly what they're talking about. They revealed to Draco and Ginny that they're not really dating. Ron just wanted to piss Harry off and Hermione accepted the support after the way Tessa treated her. Ginny was a bit sad about it, but she understood.
"In fact," Ginny's saying, "I invited Harry and Tessa tonight." Hermione widens her eyes. "Harry said Tessa wanted to stay in, just the three. But he hinted that he might come later by himself." Ginny shrugs.
Ron snorts. "Tessa is a bitch, huh?"
"Ron." Hermione says.
"She is." Draco agrees.
Ginny is nodding. "I'm sure she doesn't like spending time with us. Before, when they weren't together, Harry was here all the time. I mean, we barely see Rachel now, only when she briefly comes here so we can take her to you, Hermione. Not even my mother gets to see her as often as she used to."
Hermione clicks her tongue. "I guess I'm the lucky one, then, right? At least I get a day with Rachel." Her tone is bitter. "Regardless, Harry surely does whatever Tessa wants." She sighs.
"But why is she acting like this?" Ron asks, an eyebrow raised. "She got everything she ever wanted, didn't she? Harry, Rachel, a nice house and all that. She even made peace with her father."
Gulping, Hermione shrugs. "Whatever, I don't wanna talk about them." They all move a bit uncomfortably. "I mean, I- I feel like I'm finally moving on. I'm finally leaving it all behind, you know? Slowly, but consistently. I don't catch myself thinking about Harry that often anymore. Since I see Rachel every week, I don't suffer because I'm not with her all the time. My job is amazing and I have at least one best friend back." She smiles at Ron.
He smiles back, taking her hand and kissing it gently. "Not to mention that she's shagging the most handsome healer-"
"Ron!" She smacks his shoulder and he laughs.
"Is that so?" Ginny widens her eyes. "Why haven't you told me this! Hermione, come on! Spill the beans! How hot?"
"Ginny!" Draco is appalled.
"Very hot." Hermione ignores Draco and she and Ginny share a chuckle.
And then, the apparition happens just behind her and Ron. They're still holding hands. And she knows it's Harry. Hermione presses her lips together, Ron looks behind his shoulder.
"Harry!" Ginny welcomes him, excited. "I'm glad you made it! Come, sit with us!"
He clears his throat. "I hope I'm not interrupting or anything-"
"Of course not!" Ron says, then, he pulls Hermione's chair closer to his and motions to the other chair by her side. "There's a chair for you. Where's Tessa? And Rach?"
Hermione only looks at him when he sits, their eyes meet briefly. Ron pulls her closer by the shoulders. Harry's eyes are sharp on them.
"They preferred to stay in and watch a movie." Oh, it hurts to hear this. Hermione has no idea how many movies she watched with Rachel. "But I'm sure that if Rachel knew that Hermione is here she would have insisted on coming." He says naturally but there's an edge on his tone. "What are you drinking?" He asks Draco.
"Wine, red."
"Give me some."
There's a silence while Draco pours a glass to Harry.
"Come on, guys, you don't have to stop the conversation because of me." He says in a bitter tone.
"Of course not!" Ginny says, "So, Harry, how are things? It's been a while since we last talked."
Hermione drinks her wine, she's not sure she wants to stay. Not sure she wants to listen to what he has to say. Not sure he's comfortable in speaking about himself in front of her. Feeling her tension, Ron leans closer to her, his lips on her cheek. They share a smile. Harry is watching them, then, he chugs down the wine, asking for more.
"Things are great. I mean, sometimes it's hard to adjust to fit my wishes and Tessa's, but yeah, I can't complain."
Ron squeezes her hand. Hearing something like this doesn't hurt like it used to, or how much she imagined it would. In honesty, Hermione is still angry with Harry. Angry that he didn't tell her about him and Tessa.
"Indeed, Harry." She says before stopping herself. "It's nice that Rachel told me about you two, or else I would be hearing about your couple's life only now." She squints at him.
He tilts his head. "Were you expecting a letter?"
"It would have been nice." She says through her teeth.
"Why? Are we judging the people the other chooses to stay with?" His eyes go to Ron. "Because I may have a lot to say-"
"I won't hear a word about Ron. And no, that's not the case. I'm just saying that after everything I thought you would have the decency of being honest with me."
He blinks, taken aback. Then, he sets his jaw, drinking more wine. She also drinks more. The others are quiet.
"I was always honest with you." He whispers.
She snorts. "Sure. I don't even know why it surprises me. I was sure this was going to happen. It was a matter of time."
"That's not entirely true-"
"Ron," She cuts Harry's phrase, turning to Ron. "I think we should go. It's already pretty late."
"Sure, if you want to." He gives her a peck, then he stands from the chair, "I'll just use the bathroom."
Hermione nods and turns to Ginny and Draco. "Guys, thanks, it was an amazing dinner. Next one is at our place." She winks at them. She knows she shouldn't be talking like she and Ron are actually a couple, but it- fuck, she hates this. She hates that Harry is with Tessa and at the moment she hates both of them as individuals also.
Ginny and Draco agree and say their goodbyes, a bit unsure of what to do. Harry doesn't move from his chair and she stands to go fetch her coat at the little foyer. But when she's about to go back to the dinning room, Harry stops her. He comes close, the closest they've been since that last kiss.
Hermione raises an eyebrow. "What?"
"I- Hermione, I don't want things to be this fucked up between us."
"They're not, Harry." She sighs, he takes one more step to her. "I'm just a bit angry that you-"
"I'm sorry." He whispers. "I- I thought about sending you a letter, I even thought about going to your place, but- I-" He closes his eyes. "Each time I imagined us having this conversation it… hurt."
She looks down. And suddenly he's squeezing her waist, their eyes on each other's. His scent makes her dizzy.
"It's- I- I had no idea what to say or how and it was easier to let things unfold."
"I know." She whispers. "I hope you're happy, Harry."
Something swims in his eyes, and then, Hermione thinks that… it feels like he's going to kiss her. But he takes a step back, sighing.
Harry only nods.
Then, Ron calls to her. Without a word, she goes.
When he gets home, Tessa is in the bathroom, getting ready to sleep.
"So, how was it? Had fun?"
He inhales deeply. Ron kissing Hermione flashes through his mind and he hates it. So much.
"Yeah. Draco opened a great wine."
"Oh? Let me taste it…"
She comes to him, her arms around his neck. They share a hot kiss. Harry squeezes her ass. He can't deny that he thought about kissing Hermione and-
"Hm, nice." She says, kissing his neck, her hands traveling his body. Harry is not really in the mood, but if she escalates this, he won't deny her what she wants- however, Tessa stops. "I'm knackered." She gives him a peck. "Just gonna put some pajamas and head to bed, join me?"
He nods, but... something crosses his mind. "You never wear my t-shirts." She tilts her head, not understanding, "To sleep." Then something flashes in her eyes. Harry understands immediately that he said the wrong thing. Tessa lived with Hermione for more than a year. She knows that she uses her boyfriends' t-shirts to sleep.
"I'm not Hermione, Harry."
He clears his throat. "Of course, I know, Tess." He gives her another peck, nervous and irritated and feeling jealous because he's thinking that Hermione must be sleeping with Ron's t-shirt right now. "But I mean, I was just wondering-"
She pulls away from his arms and scoffs, heading to bed.
He stays there. Numb.
Yeah, you're not Hermione.