Vanilla's Secret by snoopy_pie

Rating: PG13
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 6
Published: 14/12/2006
Last Updated: 17/12/2006
Status: Paused

Another challenge for Azalea. Everybody loves Vanilla Ice cream don't they? Hermione finds
out that Harry prefers it over those fancier flavors.




1. Decisions, Decisions...
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**This was a response to a challenge I did. It isn't finished yet but I hope to finish it
soon. Thanks for reading and as always none of it is mine** **and I make no money on it****.
Hope you enjoy!**

**Manda**

**
Basic Overview** **of Challenge from Azalea****:

Harry and Hermione are a couple, either just dating or engaged (it's up to you), and they
decide to go on a summer vacation together. On one very hot summer day during their vacation, they
decide to get some ice-cream. Hermione wants to get a chocolate/strawberry ice-cream, but Harry
tells her to try something** **different** **for once. Reluctantly agreeing, Hermione allows
him to pick for the both of them, and she'll wait for him at the beach.

After a few minutes, Harry comes back with** **vanilla** **ice-cream for both of them. Of
course, Hermione is surprised, and asks Harry about whatever happened to the** **different**
**flavor they were supposed to get. Harry protests and explains why he got vanilla.

**

Chapter One

Hermione bit her bottom lip worriedly as she scanned the little book that Harry had brought over
to her flat earlier that morning. It was Saturday evening and the small pamphlet was creased and
worn from an entire day of being read over and over again. Hermione's brown eyes flashed upward
to see anxious green eyes dazzling at her from across the kitchen table. This decision needed to be
made, but it made her stomach flip upside down just thinking about it. Was it too soon? Just what
exactly did he expect once they got there? What did she expect to happen? It was all very
overwhelming and it made her feel a little light headed just looking at the beautiful hotel that
overlooked a gorgeous white sand beach and it had a sparkling Olympic size pool…with a double helix
slide no less.

“Harry, I'm not sure… I mean it is a huge step don't you think?” Hermione almost giggled
from his expression of complete disappointment but he recovered quickly.

“Hermione, you trust me don't you?” Harry gave her a sheepish grin and she could tell he was
nervous because he started rambling on and on. “I mean Ron would probably be going with us if he
didn't have to work that week. It's not like I am trying to seduce you.” Oddly enough he
shifted uncomfortably in his seat before smiling at her hopefully. “Well, you know I do enjoy being
with you and I wouldn't say no to…well I mean I would never do anything to make you
uncomfortable. You know that.”

Hermione eyed him suspiciously and couldn't help but wonder if Ron's sudden change in
work schedules wasn't somehow contrived and she dropped her eyes to the pamphlet once again.
She was trying to keep her heart from pounding but the thought of being alone with Harry for an
entire week was very tempting. They had begun dating exclusively about 3 months ago and so far
things couldn't be better but their relationship was still very young and neither of them
seemed to want to rush things. This vacation might very well jumpstart the passion that always
seemed to simmer below the surface. Hermione sometimes thought they were afraid of ruining the
beautiful friendship they had. Occasionally she thought of stopping things before they got too
serious, but something always stopped her no matter how dangerous it all seemed. The way he looked
at her lately made her want to drown in those dreamy eyes and she almost always inevitably ended up
in his arms. He was always very passionate which left no doubt to his physical attraction to her
but something down deep inside made her think that she was just to plain for “The” Harry Potter.
This thought always stopped her from taking things to the next level. Perhaps this was their chance
to see if they were truly meant to be together. Pushing some errant locks of hair out of her face
she sit back against the hard wood of the chair and gave him a shy smile before nodding
excitedly.

“Okay Harry lets do it! When do we leave?”

Harry brought both his hands down on the table with a crack and pulled one arm close to his body
and almost shouted an emphatic “YES!” Hermione giggled when he pulled her out of the chair and
wrapped his arms around her and excitedly spun her around. Hermione wasn't entirely sure the
dizziness she experienced was enough to require assistance, but it was a lovely excuse to cling
onto him a little longer.

“You're going to love Hawaii Hermione!” Harry's enthusiasm was infectious and soon they
were laughing and giggling nervously as they both realized they were about to have their first
vacation as a couple.


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The plans were made, their bags were packed, the reservations were confirmed…twice and Hermione
was a nervous wreak. Harry had just left her flat after explaining excitedly that he would pick her
up about 6 am so they could go have breakfast before leaving for the airport. They decided to do
things the muggle way in order to keep a low profile. Harry still had crazies following him hoping
for a story on the young hero. He had lingered a little longer at her flat than usual kissing and
touching her at every opportunity until she had to almost shoo him away. When he at last stood on
her doorstep he wrapped his arms around her and gently teased the nape of her neck with his lips
making her shiver. He didn't kiss her but when he raised his emerald green eyes to hers she saw
a hunger there that made her turn scarlet. He very softly caressed her cheek before winking at her
and apparating away with a loud popping noise. Oh boy what had she gotten herself into? She was
very nervous about this vacation because as time passed she was certain she was falling in love
with him and that was dangerous for her heart.

She was excited about the trip, but there was this small tickle of a thought that had implanted
itself in the back of her mind. What if Harry wanted this vacation to liven their relationship up a
bit? What if he didn't like her plainness or her total lack of fiery passion? She could think
of a couple of young ladies who would fit that particular bill perfectly and she wrinkled up her
nose in disgust. She had decided earlier that week that there was no way she was going to be plain
on this vacation. She was going to show Harry a side of her that would prove to him that she was
just as thrilling and just as exhilarating as any of those other girls he had dated in the past.
Hermione Granger was going to knock his socks off with how sporty she was going to be on this trip.
She wasn't even taking any books with her!

Later that evening while Hermione was dreaming about a certain green eyed wizard, Harry Potter
was lying wide awake in his bed staring at his bedroom ceiling. He was hoping and praying that
Hermione wouldn't back out of their trip at the last minute. He had gotten the vibe that she
was extremely nervous but for the life of him he couldn't figure out why. Of course he was
attracted to her and loved touching her exquisite body but that didn't mean he didn't have
self control. He was finding it increasingly difficult to leave her every evening though, and he
often found himself dreaming of what it would be like to move their snogging to her lovely bedroom.
He imagined swooping her up in his very capable arms and whisking her away for a night of
unbelievable passion and his daydreams were getting quite detailed. Harry had never felt this way
about anyone he had ever dated and the fact that it was Hermione who made him feel this way was
sometimes very frightening. Women were always falling all over themselves to snag the “chosen one”
for an evening and for awhile Harry enjoyed that aspect of his fame immensely. However, that soon
got old and he began hoping for something more meaningful. He hadn't told Hermione yet but he
was certain he loved her and he planned on telling her when the time was right.

Hermione had been unwittingly the standard that he held every woman he had ever dated to. Even
though he saw her most every day his nights were extremely lonely and his arms ached to hold her
close. He loved how simple and natural his relationship was with Hermione. There was no need to
impress her or keep her interest by going nuts with Quiditch or trying to be adventurous when he
really only wanted someone to share his life with. He enjoyed the peaceful evenings they spent
together and he absolutely loved the moments when she would be reading quietly while he watched
television; their legs intertwined. There was no reason to chatter away at each other if they
didn't have much to say. It seemed perfectly fine to cuddle up with her on the couch after
dinner to just enjoy each other's company. They had fallen asleep like that a few times and
Harry had awakened to just look at her while she slept. Yes, life with Hermione Granger was sweet
and completely tranquil, something Harry treasured more than anything. He smiled to himself as he
drifted off to sleep with images of her floating through his mind comforting and loving him as only
she could.

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2. Chapter 2
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**Okay** **time for chapter two! YAY!!**

**I hope you all enjoy it. It is nothing much and I'm not sure how long this story will be
but lets just go with the flow. Thank you all for your kind comments. They are really
appreciated.**

**Thanks**

**Manda**

The plane ride was exhausting, but they did enjoy their time together. After Harry fell asleep
Hermione managed to borrow a book from an old woman, who appeared to carry an entire collection of
Jane Austin with her. She was halfway through *Emma* when Harry woke up and smiled groggily at
her. “Hey Hermione, what are you reading there?” Harry leaned over to read the title of her book
and wrinkled his nose. “I hate books like that.”

Hermione looked up to find he was yawning and searching for his glasses. His hair was even
messier than normal and she smiled at how boyish he seemed. “What do you mean books like that?” She
said, handing him his glasses from her handbag.

Harry shrugged, “You know…old…classic…boring.”

Hermione rolled her eyes, “Oh honestly! Harry sometimes you are more like Ron than you know.”
She turned her eyes back to her book and gave him a fleeting look. “You know…you might even enjoy
my book if you…oh I don't know…read it?”

Harry grinned at her and stood up to stretch. “Do you think anyone is in the bathroom? I feel
like I have drunk about 2 liters of water on this flight.”

____________________________________

A few hours later they were waiting for their luggage to start coming down the conveyor belt
when Harry laughed. “You know it is probably a good thing Ron didn't come on this trip.”

“Oh here they come!” Hermione pointed at a long row of luggage that tumbled out onto the moving
belt. “Why do you say that?”

Harry bent down low and whispered, “Because, he would not be willing to forego magic in
*helping* our trip along that's why.”

Hermione wagged a finger at him. “Like you haven't been popping all over the place? Oh and
there was that group of people in that Starbucks, who all miraculously decided they didn't want
their coffees, which I might add allowed you to get your caramel latte with no wait. Not to mention
that our seats seemed to be much roomier on the plane than other people.” Hermione cast him a
sideways glance and smirked. “Shall I go on Mr. Potter?”

Harry opened his mouth to protest, but realized she had discovered him and grinned good
naturedly. “Don't tell me you didn't appreciate the seats?”

“Well of course I appreciated them! But that is beside the point.” She then turned back around
to search the load of bags and cases pouring out in front of them. “Sometimes I don't think it
is fair that you can do magic without a wand.”

Harry laughed and reached down to grab both of Hermione's bags and then his own.

When they arrived at their hotel Hermione thought it was the most beautiful place she had ever
seen. Harry jumped out of the taxi and paid the fare allowing Hermione to soak up the atmosphere.
She held on tightly to her handbag bought especially for the trip and couldn't stop thinking
about the sleeping arrangements. *Oh why didn't she ask Harry about that?* She should have
but realized now it was too late. She was broken out of her thoughts when she felt Harry's arms
snake around her waist and she shivered when his lips placed a few little kisses along the nape of
her neck. *Oh merlin that* *feels* *so good*, she thought to herself and blushed a
lovely shade of pink.

Harry smiled to himself as he gave the bags to the waiting baggage boy and he guided her into
the lavishly decorated lobby. He pointed to the beautiful crimson sofa and whispered, “Honey why
don't you wait here while I check in.” She hesitated for a moment, but did what he suggested.
There was a lovely statue with a dolphin seemingly jumping out of the water and she noticed a
little face gazing intently at her from the other side.

Hermione smiled and waved at the little boy who couldn't have been more than 5 years old. He
snickered and jumped out with a small toy sword held firmly in his hand. “I am a pirate matey,
arrgh!” The little boy made his best pirate face and began swishing his sword back and forth when
suddenly red sparks flew from the point and he froze. “I'm sowwy, I'm not supposed to do
magic yet. Mummy says I can get in big twouble with the Misery of Magic people.” Hermione giggled
and looked around for his mother who from the looks of it was racing toward her little wizard
frightfully.

“Oh dear dear dear! Umm….you see it is a trick sword that emits flashes of light. Battery
operated you see. Err…Oh dear dear dear!” The harassed woman picked up her child and gave Hermione
a frightened look before Hermione found her voice.

“Don't worry; I'm a witch so you don't have to make excuses. I had no idea that this
was a popular place for wizards.” She smiled at the young mother who relaxed a little but still
seemed a bit nervous.

“Well his father is the wizard. I am just a normal average person you know. I don't know
what we are supposed to do! He is always doing these strange things and my husband bless him just
doesn't see the harm.” She sat back down again and gave Hermione another hassled glance as her
son once again began fighting imaginary bad guys. “I mean I took him to see family in the states
and he wanted an ice cream cone before dinner so of course I said no but he through a tantrum and
what happened? He began to glow green for heavens sake! The louder he yelled the greener he became.
I mean how do you explain something like that? It is all so very random. I hope it gets
controllable.” She worriedly glanced over at her little boy and Hermione couldn't help but
smile at the young woman.

“I'm sure there is nothing to worry about.” Hermione soothed.

At that point she saw Harry motion for her and she jumped up nervously. “Well it was nice
meeting you and your little one I hope you have a lovely holiday.” She waved at the small pirate
and dashed off to a waiting Harry.

“What was that all about?” Harry nodded at the young woman as Hermione gently slipped her hand
inside his and smiled.

“Oh I was just chatting with a little boy and his mother.”

Harry nodded and was encouraged by the way she clung to his arm so he lead them off toward a
small elevator. Hermione closed her eyes and tried to keep her mind firmly away from sharing a room
with Harry. She anxiously began fidgeting and Harry chuckled at how restless she was.

They approached a large double door at the end of a long corridor and Hermione giggled nervously
as he led her into the most beautiful suite of rooms she had ever seen. She slowly withdrew her
hand away from Harry and gasped at how lovely everything was. There was a large living area
complete with a large sofa and a chaise lounge chair all done in a rich beige color. The lounge
opened up to a small dining area that had a lovely private balcony offering a glorious view of the
ocean. She didn't see a bed and turned suddenly around to find Harry right behind her grinning
like a fool.

“Our rooms are this way,” he said sweetly and guided her toward a small hallway opening off of
the lounge. They entered a small door and once inside she caught her breath. Her bedroom was done
in a beautiful sea side motif with soft hues of blue. The bed was a huge four poster covered with
large fluffy pillows and comforters and there was a small vanity table filled with anything she
might possibly need beside the bed. She noticed that her bags had already been brought in and she
smiled timidly.

“It is really beautiful Harry but where are your bags?”

Harry caught his breath and swallowed hard. “My…My room is across the hall.” He shifted
uncomfortably and gazed down into her eyes completely spell bound until she broke the
connection.

“Well let's not unpack just yet I want to visit the beach! I've never had such a
vacation Harry thank you.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a gentle squeeze.

Harry flashed another goofy grin at her, “Oh it's nothing I just want you to enjoy yourself.
Let's get into our bathing suits and go for a swim.” Harry kissed her on the forehead and with
a pop he apparated out of her room.

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