A/N: Hello readers!
TWO DAYS FOR NEW YEAR! HOW EXCITING IS IT?
Well, I know I just started with my Dramione and I've not updated it lately, however I will be once I'm done with my end-sem exams!
And since December is a Harmonious month *wink wink* it is only fair that I finish this year with a HHr story. So here it is!
Mind you, these two shots are related to the epilogue of my story 'Kill Your Darlings'. It depends on you whether you want to read that story or not. It doesn't matter.
So anyway, here it is! Enjoy! :D
Disclaimer: We Potterheads own all the characters which appear in this story. *not*.
July 31st 2001
"Hermione, I'm sorry but it isn't working."
My ears perked up at the words of my friend which caught my attention. I knew that I wasn't supposed to eavesdrop but this was regarding my two best friends.
"But Ron, why-?"
"Well, you're busy half of the time. We barely get time for each other. It's not that you're not trying but-"
"But what? Am I too ugly to satisfy your needs? Is it because I don't want to sleep with you?"
I take in a huge breath and close my eyes at her question. Did she really think that no man would want her? Because to me, Hermione Granger was a beautiful woman from the inside and outside; and I loved her to death.
That love was not platonic though. It was a genuine feeling which a boy felt for a girl. She was the reason I lived. I just knew that I had to live for her love.
But Hermione could never love me; she loved Ron, who was nothing but a brother to me. I valued their happiness more than my very own.
"Hermione, its not-" Ron started and sighed. "You're a very beautiful woman. And I respect your decision to keep your virginity. Love it's just that, what we had is not the same anymore." Ron paused and my heart ached as I her Hermione sobbing. "And even if we tried, it wouldn't go anywhere."
My eyes remains closed as Hermione continued to sob. She didn't deserve it. She didn't deserve this pain because Hermione was made to love.
And Ron was breaking her heart again, just like our sixth year.
"But Ron I love you."
Those words snapped my eyes open and I realized that they were in tears. I couldn't handle their words when they are supposed to celebrate with me; it was my birthday. I couldn't handle Hermione crying.
It was the moment I decided to make my appearance and I found the two in an embrace as Hermione sobbed into Ron's shoulder. He soothingly kept petting her hair and then caught my eyes.
I glared at him for hurting the girl I loved, like he knew though. All Ron did was to say 'I'm sorry' and left her on her own in the room. Before he apparated, he muttered a small 'Good night' and asked me to take care of her.
I gladly did whatever Ron asked me to.
Hermione kept sobbing until her eyes found me. She turned around and wiped away her tears, trying to convince me that nothing had happened.
"So Harry, has everybody left?" She asked me with a quiver and a sniffle. "I'm sure they have-"
"Hermione-" I tried to reach for her.
"Did you like the party?" She further asked, looking at me with her bloodshot eyes.
"I-I loved it. You organized it after all." I said with a small smile. "But 'Mione- Ron-?"
"We broke up that's all." Hermione cut me off as silent tears ran down her cheeks. "He-he said that we had gone a bit boring," she started to sob. "Oh I must look like an idiot!" She laughed humorlessly.
I didn't smile but wrapped my arms around her waist as she started to cry again. My heart trembled in pain as she hugged me for her dear life. From the inside I was crying for her broken heart. I hated when Hermione cried over men who overlooked her.
"Hey," I said softly, hugging her back. "It's okay. You don't look like an idiot."
"He doesn't want me Harry." Hermione cried. "H-he doesn't l-love me-"
"Shh, it's fine." I said soothingly and placed a kiss on her head. "I'm here for you."
She cried harder and I hugged her tighter. For a moment time seemed to pause as I held her while she sobbed. It was sadly intimate which Hermione and I usually shared when either of us were in dilemma. Unfortunately today, it was her.
"There is someone waiting for you out there love." I whisper softly into her ear. "Maybe you were blind enough to see it. You have no idea of how much he loves you, your smile," she stiffened and looked questioningly at me with her chocolate orbs. "Your eyes." I continued with a smile. "Yours mannerisms, the way you care for everyone." I finished, returning her gaze and placed a kiss on her forehead.
Hermione closed her eyes and sniffled. "This someone is you isn't it?" She asked, with her voice wavering. "You love me."
I said nothing but held her tighter as she gave me an intense look. "For how long?" She further asked.
"Ever since the hocrux hunt." I replied. "Or maybe even before, I don't remember when."
She nodded and tenderly cupped my cheek. At an instant I felt her warmth seeping into my skin. "Why-why didn't you do anything? You had many chances to tell me you know." Hermione said softly.
"Because you loved Ron." I simply said and leaned into her touch, looking at her lovingly. "And, my happiness was in yours. You seemed really happy with him."
Hermione chuckled and moved closer to me. My heart raced as our foreheads touched. "You were ready to sacrifice your happiness for mine. How stupid were you? And how blind was I?"
Our breaths mingled as I gave no reply. "Kiss me Harry." Was all she said. "Please."
I really wanted to feel those beautiful lips on mine, I really did. However, the time wasn't right.
"Hermione, I don't think-"
"I feel lonely, so lonely." She quivered. "So alone." She sniffed. "I need my best friend to love me. I want your love." Our noses skimmed together. "I need you Harry."
"Hermione-"
"I need some time to get over with Ron." She further said. "But at the same time, I want you Harry-"
"You're drunk-"
"I won't regret it." She added softly. "I swear I won't. Harry take my loneliness away, just love me. Please. I need my best friend to love me."
"But, your virginity, I can't take it-"
"I wanted it to be with someone who loved me just like you described. I know you wouldn't hurt me." She said before kissing me fully on the mouth.
I didn't want our first kiss to be when Hermione was in a vulnerable state; I wanted us to love each other, I wanted her to say that she loved me.
However now, I didn't respond to her lips which tasted salty yet were so soft, so perfect. At that moment I wanted to hold on to her and kiss her back, when she drew away and frowned at me.
"You don't want me." She mumbled. "Nobody wants me-"
"Hermione, it isn't-"
"I thought you loved me-"
"Hermione I do-"
"Am I that ugly-"
Before she could continue, I pulled her by the waist and kissed her hard. I wanted to prove how wrong she was and how lovely and desirable she was to me. I didn't care that she was drunk, I didn't care if she regretted it the next morning. All I knew was that I loved her really much.
Hermione moaned as she wrapped her legs around my waist and kissed me hard. I knew this was wrong, she was desperate for sex and was seeking it from me. She was using me for the love I had for her. I should've been angry at her but Hermione being here with me in my arms made me love her even more.
With all the moaning, growling and name calling I carried her to me room I gently laid her down and crawled on top of her. We kept staring at each other while taking breaths for what seemed like ages, when I chose to speak.
"You're nothing but beautiful." I said and gave her a smile. "The most beautiful woman in this entire universe."
"Harry, you don't need to." She said as blush crept onto her freckled cheeks.
"It's the truth." I said with a chuckle and wrapped her curls around my finger. "You're beautiful."
Hermione merely smiled at me as I willingly kissed her softly. For the first time I could taste vine and tears on her lips, which made me hold her tighter. I was willing to love her for the rest of my life and never wanted to give her a chance to cry.
I broke away as she started to unbutton my shirt and held her hand to stop.
"Are you sure?" I asked her again. "I really don't want you to regret tomorrow-"
"Harry, I will not." She said sincerely. "I want to give you a chance, take this chance of being loved unconditionally. I may want to be just friends the next morning but now, I want you to love me."
I smiled dearly at her as she pulled me by the neck and kissed me again. Her fingers resumed unbuttoning my shirt while mine unzipped her cocktail dress and pulled it down her body. She moaned as my lips attacked her neck and she arched back to unclasp her bra.
"Harry," Hermione moaned out as I shrugged the shirt off my shoulders and looked at her. My eyes traveled from her face to her bare freckled shoulders and then to her perky pale breasts. I felt myself hardening much more than I already was, as she took my hand and placed it on her bosom.
"Hermione," I breathed out. "You're extremely flawless, so beautiful." I smiled and started to knead her breast. "Don't you ever think or say that you're ugly. The things you're doing to me."
"Harry," she said with a moan as she too cupped my member through the trousers. "Oh my!" She exclaimed as her cheeks tinged pink.
"This is what you do to me." I whispered into her ear.
"I'm glad." She whispered back as she pulled my trousers along with my boxers down my legs. I blushed slightly as my member long and proud beheld her sight. "You're huge. Are you sure you're going to fit in there?"
"We will have to see." I chuckled and kissed her cheek.
"Harry, have you ever-?"
I could see her eyes uncertainly seeking for answers as they bore into mine.
"No," I shook my head. "Never. In fact, I was waiting for the right girl. And I guess, she's right here."
My heart melted as she smiled and pulled me for another kiss. Really soon our clothes were strewn all over the room and I was making love to the woman who was my life. The moment we became one, I sensed some discomfort in her eyes and I knew that I had done something wrong.
"It's okay Harry, it supposed to hurt the first time." She said and I made sure that she wasn't in pain before we proceeded.
I made sure that Hermione was happy, and was being pampered by my love. The moment she moaned out my name, I knew that I was successful in making her forget about her loneliness.
It was euphoric when I released inside of her as our pants echoed the room. I felt complete as I collapsed on top of her and placed a kiss on her neck.
"Thank you." Hermione said and placed a kiss on my cheek. "And I'm sorry."
I scrunched my brows and looked at her. "Why?"
Hermione merely chucked and started to run her fingers through my hair. "Because I don't love you back."
My heart ached as she cried again, and all I could do was to take her in my arms. Pulling the blankets over us, I continued to cradle Hermione's quivering body.
"You do so much for me, and I-" she sniffed. "can't even love you. You're so perfect; you have everything a girl wants; what I want." My heart stopped beating for a moment. "Yet I can't love you-"
"Hermione, it's fine. You- you just broke up." I tried to convince her. "I can wait for you, I will wait for you."
"Really?" Hermione asked innocently.
I hugged her tighter, and placed a kiss on her head. "Really."
Hermione sniffled and kissed my chest. "Say that you love me." She said.
"I love you." I replied with a smile as Hermione nodded against my chest and within moments, she dozed off.
I would never get tired of saying that to her.
Only if she had the strength to love me back.
I knew that Hermione needed time, and I was ready to give her years to think.
Maybe everything would be the same between us the next day.
To my dismay, it wasn't.
We were Harry and Hermione; just best friends.
19th September 2001
So much for your best friend.
Why on earth did I take the responsibility of organizing Hermione's birthday party?
Oh wait, I volunteered.
She surprised me with mine and now I've planned to surprise her as well.
At the moment, I was in the kitchen, preparing myself a cup of tea while the radio played Hermione's favorite songs.
Somehow the songs took me to the night of my birthday, the night I made love to her.
Since then, our relationship wasn't the same.
We would often have awkward silences during our conversations or pauses between our meals. And I didn't like it.
I knew that sleeping with your best friend, the girl you love would definitely bring some changes into our lives and it was expected that Hermione and I would be a bit awkward around each other.
Just a bit.
It was when the bell rang I was brought back to present. Placing the tea on the table, I went to answer the door and found none other than Hermione standing at my doorstep.
"Hi." She said meekly with a smile.
"Hey!" I said back with a grin and let her enter before I closed the door. "Happy birthday!" I added, pulling her for a brief hug.
"Thanks." Hermione replied and pulled back. "Were you busy?"
"Actually no, I was just making some tea. Would you like to have some?" I asked as we entered the kitchen.
"No, I'm fine. Thanks." She said with a smile and pulled out a chair for herself.
"Well what brings you here early in the morning?" I asked and sat next to her. "Is it something important?"
Hermione took a huge breath and gave me a nod. "Harry, I-" she started and slightly bit her lips. "I don't know how to say."
"Is something wrong?" I asked her carefully and took her hand. "What is it?"
"Harry, yesterday I went for my routine check up and," Hermione paused and fiddled with her fingers. "Oh Merlin this is so hard!" She muttered to herself.
"Hermione-" I pulled my chair closer to hers and squeezed her hand. "You know you can tell me everything-"
"I'm pregnant."
Everything seemed to stop as she spoke that word. For a moment I forgot where I was when I heard my name.
"Harry?" Hermione called out.
"Are you sure?" I asked when I found my voice.
"Yes. I'm almost a month and a half far."
I took in a huge breath and nodded while my hand tightly held hers.
"Do you want me to keep it?"
What sort of a question was that?
"I understand if you don't want it-"
"'Mione, how could you think that I don't want the baby?" I asked her softly.
"Harry because-" Hermione started as a lone tear fell off her eye. "We are so young; you're still a junior auror. You have aspirations, dreams." She paused again. "I have too." She added softly. "So I thought-"
"Hermione, this is a child we are talking about." I cut her off gently. "This little thing inside of you is also a part of me. And I love it already." I gave her a smile. "The only thing I ever wanted was a family and I don't want to miss this chance. I want to be a part of its life. Watch it grow. And I want to be there for you as well, I don't want to leave you alone in this."
Hermione wiped her tears and put on her best smile. "Are you sure?" She asked. "Because I don't want be a burden-"
"You're no burden to me love." I said and gently pulled her into my lap. "You know I'll always stand by you right?"
Hermione shyly nodded and all I did was to embrace her tightly. I was extremely happy at the news she gave me; I was going to become a dad to a child which was being carried by the love of my life.
I knew that this was my parents' blessing. It was something I always wanted.
It was a sign; a silver lining.
It was something I wanted with Hermione.
"Can I kiss you?" I heard Hermione whispering into my ear and I couldn't do anything but smile at her, allowing her to relish my lips on hers.
They were still the same, soft and beautiful. However this time, she wasn't under any influence of alcohol or break up. The kiss was very natural.
I broke away and rested my forehead against hers, as one my hands darted to touch her flat belly. My heart fluttered when I realized that our child was centimeters away, growing all healthy in its mother's womb.
"I can't believe that a baby is actually there, growing." I said in wonderment.
I was sure that Hermione found my moves very childish but I didn't care. Instead, she placed a kiss on my cheek and rested her hand on top of mine.
"I can't believe it either." Was all she said.
September 29th 2001
"Harry, it's alright!" Hermione laughed as I took the suitcases from her hands and let her inside my flat. "I'm pregnant not invalid."
"However, you're not supposed to carry these." I scolded her and dropped her luggage into the guest room.
"Oh goodness, will you stop behaving like an overprotective husband? I'm just two months pregnant and can definitely handle things on my own." Hermione laughed and then realized what words came out of her mouth.
"Overprotective husband huh?" I asked with a smirk, to which she replied with a graceful blush.
"You know what I mean." She muttered before scrunching her nose. Before I could comprehend what was happening, Hermione clutched her mouth and ran to the nearest toilet.
"Hermione!" I called out and followed her to find her throwing up into the toilet bowl. At an instant I kneeled down next to her and held her hair back as she coughed.
"Morning sickness." Hermione said as I rubbed her back.
"I know." I simply said. "I read in the pregnancy book you have."
Hermione's eyes grew bigger in surprise as she looked at me.
"I swear you'll be fine after a month. Usually it lasts for a trimester." I continued.
"Wow." Was all she could say.
I merely chuckled and placed a kiss on her head. "If I'm going to stay with a pregnant woman for another year or so, I need to know of all her routines and problems."
Hermione gave me a smile and leaned into my arms. "Thank you." She said softly. "You're doing so much for me."
"And I don't mind." Was all I replied.
Well, it was the truth.
October 27th 2001
"Hermione dear, looks like you have finally put on weight." Her mother said and I felt Hermione taking my hand into hers.
At the moment, we were at the Grangers' having dinner. Hermione and I had finally decided to announce our pregnancy to her parents. I was nervous as her father kept his eyes narrowed at me, yet I had the courage to stand up for Hermione if the situation turned out to be a little iffy.
"Oh mum," Hermione chuckled nervously and then looked at her father. "Dad, she's joking right?"
"No dear, for the first time, I have to agree with your mother." Her father laughed along. "However, you're glowing. And you look much more beautiful than you already were."
I squeezed Hermione's hand at that comment which earned me a shy glance from her. I couldn't agree less with her father.
"Dad, mum," Hermione looked at her parents and then looked at me. All I could do was to give her a nod before she proceeded.
"Well yes Minnie dear, what's wrong?" Her mother asked in concern and looked as us both.
"Well-" Hermione sighed and looked at me again. "Well I'm almost three months pregnant."
There was a moment of silence on the table when I found Hermione's father looking wide eyed at us.
"And weren't you with Ron during that time?" He asked, flabbergasted.
"Actually, Ron and I broke up-"
"And he didn't want the baby?"
"John," I interrupted. "The baby is mine."
Again, no voice echoed the room. All I could see was John Granger throwing angry daggers at Hermione and I. Jean, her mum looked worried as she looked at her husband.
"This is ridiculous!" John hollered and excused held from the dinner table. Really soon, Hermione started to weep and all I did was to wrap an arm around her waist.
"Oh honey," Jean exclaimed and came to kneel down next to her daughter. "Your father needs some time to take it in. You're his baby girl-"
"I'm a disappointment to him mum." Hermione cried. "He-he thinks that I'm a whore, sleeping with my ex-boyfriend's best friend-"
"Sweetie, don't call yourself that." Jean said with a frown and wiped the tears off her face. "Besides, you told me that you had broken up with Ron." She then looked at me. "Harry dear, will you explain what exactly happened?"
"Well mum, I forced Harry to sleep with me." Hermione answered for me. She didn't exactly force me to. "I was really lonely that night a-and Harry said that he loved me-"
"You love her?" Jean asked me astonishingly.
I took in a huge breath and nodded. "More than my life." I admitted.
"Then why-?" Jean uncertainly kept looking at us.
"We are not together mum." Hermione sniffed. "H-he is just taking care of the baby, and me. I'm afraid that I can't give him a chance-"
My heart clenched in dismay at her words. I knew it hurt me, but for now it was for the best.
"It's alright Jean." I said reluctantly. "She needs some time to think about it. That's why we both agreed to move in together-"
"Move in?" Jean asked.
"We've been living together for almost a month now." Hermione sniffed. "Harry thinks that he can take care of us." She patted her belly.
"Maybe because he can." Jean said with a smile and kissed her forehead. "I'm really happy for both of you." She further said and took my free hand. "Harry, thank you for being a man and not backing out from this."
"I wouldn't have." I said truthfully.
Hermione shifted in my embrace and placed her head on my shoulder. "Mum, I'm really lucky to have Harry in my life." She said and my heart sang in joy. "Maybe if we spend some time together-"
"I'll see you walking down the aisle in no time!" Jean gushed, bringing both Hermione and I to blush. "Anyway, both of you go and talk to John, and honey," she cupped Hermione's cheek. "Your father still loves you."
"I hope so." Hermione whispered before I got on my feet and pulled her along with me. "I'm worried." She added.
"I'm here." I said with a smile and squeezed her hand.
Hermione gave me one of her charming smiles as we walked down to the study. She clenched my hand in nervousness when we found John admiring a picture where he held Hermione as a newborn. I glanced at the girl next to me and found tears running down her face.
"Daddy," Hermione called out. "I'm sorry-"
"I can't believe that my baby girl is all grown up." John said solemnly and placed the picture frame on the desk. "She gave me hope after her mother and I lost two babies."
Hermione sobbed a bit harder as her father turned around to face us. His eyes bore directly into mine, the tension and intensity rising every second.
"Harry, Minnie here is my pride and joy." John started. "I swore to Lord that if any boy broke her heart or hurt her in any manner, he'll be a dead man. Ron left her alone, and I was expecting that. I understood that he was scared of commitment the first time Minnie introduced me to him." He walked slowly towards us. "And now I see you with her, standing all strong when she tells me how irresponsible she has been. That's how I wanted Hermione's boy to be."
At least John liked me. That's what I understood.
I gave him a strained smile as he continued. "Hermione has done many mistakes and I have forgiven her for every single one. This, pregnancy was a result of her foolishness I understand. It isn't your fault Harry." He then smiled at his daughter and gently wiped the tears on her face. "You know Minnie, you shouldn't strain yourself in your condition. I want my grandchild to grow up all healthy."
"Oh daddy!" Hermione cried and flung her arms around her father who hugged her back. "I'm so sorry-"
"Sweetie you know I'll forgive you." John said with a chuckle and kissed her head. "I know I should be scolding you but, I love you."
"I love you too daddy." Hermione said into his shoulder.
Their father-daughter moment made me feel like an intruder. It was also preparing me for that baby; what if it was a girl? Will I be in the same situation after two decades or so?
At that moment, I decided that if the baby was a girl, I'll be the best father to her and protect her from all dangers; just like what John did for Hermione.
"Harry my boy, welcome to the family." John said with a smile and opened and arm to let me in.
Did he actually want to give me a hug?
"Now come over here!" He further called out and pulled me for a bone crushing one armed hug. "I'm glad that you're fathering the baby Harry, I trust you." John further said, his words making me relax.
I swore I heard Hermione chuckling from her father's chest.
Maybe because she knew that John was stating the obvious.
A/N: TBC. Till then R&R :)
And apologies for mistakes, if any. It's not edited.