A/N:
This is the last chapter to Nightstand Girlfriend. Yay! I finished this story just in time.
Anyway, for my Christmas one-shot gift-giving, I have five specific requests so far. I just want to shoutout to the "Guest Reviewer who signed his/her review with just a 'P'". Could you please send me a private message so that I would know how to dedicate the fic, in case you are chosen? Thank you.
For those who are still interested to take part in this mini-gift fest, you could still comment on your prompts in the reviews or send them as private messages. I will be announcing the chosen prompts on December 1st via the Harmony & Co Facebook group. If you aren't members, I'll send you PMs here on FFN.
Anyway, let's acknowledge the prompts that inspired the epilogue.
This chapter is written for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (Challenges & Assignments) Forum as an entry from Ravenclaw. This is a reply to Magical & Muggle Languages: Sign Language – Task # 2 (Write about having trouble understanding something)
This is also written for The Golden Snitch Forum as an entry from Kaze House at the Mahoutokoro School of Magic. This is a reply to Challenge Through the Universe: Task # 113 Nebula – (word) illumination.
Chapter Word Count: 2,771
Chapter Summary: Harry finally tells Dudley the truth about how he and Hermione got together since he wants his cousin to be a groomsman at their upcoming wedding.
Your feedback, follows, and faves make me smile so keep them coming.
NIGHTSTAND GIRLFRIEND
By: tweety-src-clt9
EPILOGUE
Harry Potter placed a tray filled with a sumptuous healthy breakfast on his nightstand. He smiled as he gently moved Hermione's yule ball picture to the side to clear some space for the tray. Ever since they got together, he no longer hides her picture after he wakes up in the morning.
"Good morning, love," he whispered before he kissed his sleeping fiancée's forehead. As his lips touched her skin, her chocolate brown eyes fluttered open.
"Hmmm… Harry… Good morning," she muttered as she stretched like a cat on the mattress. Since the sheets that covered her naked body got displaced, his eyes immediately glued on her luscious curves and silky-smooth skin. Noticing his lustful stare on her chest, she huffed.
"Honestly!"
"You can't blame a bloke! You're gorgeous!" He smirked.
"Yeah, yeah, you are very lucky blah blah blah you say that every time you try to have your wicked way with me," she snorted.
"Well, I reckon you should get some well-deserved rest after the way I made you scream over and over – " He laughed when he dodged a pillow that she threw in his direction. He grinned like an idiot as she gave him her signature 'Granger Glare'. He felt happier when he realized that in six months, it will be called her 'Potter Glare' soon.
"You are so annoying," she muttered.
"But you love me anyway," he retorted with a smug look on his face.
"I sometimes wonder why I do actually," she tapped a finger on her chin. He moved closer and pinched both of her cheeks.
"I love you, Hermione Granger, soon to be Potter," he declared before he kissed her forehead once again.
"I love you too," she sighed happily.
"Since I am a very doting fiancé," he winked and she rolled her eyes. Ignoring her feigned annoyance, he continued, "I prepared breakfast for you," he gestured to the nightstand.
"Now I remember why I love you," she grinned.
"You go eat while I prepare for my early catch up with Dudley at the Xahar. You have bride stuff to do today, right?" He asked as he carefully set the tray in front of her.
"Yeah, I have to find my wedding dress and that of the bridesmaids," she replied after sampling the bowl of oatmeal and her favorite selection of fruits.
"You should look for your wedding night lingerie as well," he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively and she shook her head in fond exasperation.
"Really Harry? It's not like we haven't made love yet. What makes the wedding night so special?" She gave him a pointed look.
"It's a bloke thing. It's just, well, I reckon it's different since I'll no longer be making love to my gorgeous girlfriend. Instead, I'll be loving my beautiful bride. It's just so – "
"Romantic. Who would have thought? Harry Potter, slayer of Voldemort, a romantic at heart," she fluttered her eyelashes and swooned.
"Sometimes I don't know if you're mocking me or praising me," he pouted.
"It's a gift," she smirked.
"I'll better get ready so I won't be late. If I stay here any longer, I might ravish you," he chuckled.
"Yes! Yes! Off you go, you insatiable horny bloke," she said sternly.
"It's not like you don't enjoy it," he huffed as he walked towards the ensuite bathroom.
"Who said I'm complaining!" She called out which made him turn around just so he could face her. She playfully blew him a kiss which he returned by mouthing 'I love you'.
Harry is sitting on one of the stools by the smaller tables at the Xahar. Since he's only meeting Dudley for an early lunch, he chose the smaller corner tables. As expected, his cousin is running a bit late since his wife recently gave birth to their little girl. His eyes glanced around the restaurant and he smiled. This place is very special to him. Not only does it remind him of his first vacation ever, but it's also the place where he rekindled his relationship with his relatives. More importantly, this place played a significant role in bringing him and Hermione together. If not for their shared love of Thai food, he wouldn't meet Dudley here and he wouldn't be compelled to ask Hermione to be his 'nightstand girlfriend' which resulted in the start of his happily ever after.
As he gazed upon the beautiful ceiling lights, with the various colors bringing a happy illumination to the entire restaurant, he remembers the reason as to why he asked to meet Dudley in this special place. While living with the Dursleys, he never remembered them eating any type of Asian cuisine. During their recurring meetups ever since that fateful day, he discovered that Uncle Vernon is so racist that he believes all non-Western dishes are unsanitary and inferior. Given how he rules the Dursley household or else he hits Aunt Petunia, then everyone else obeys his command. When he passed on, his aunt and cousin had free rein to explore whatever culinary delight they want. Just like them, the mother and son duo discovered their love for Thai food.
While waiting for Dudley, one of his chosen groomsmen for his upcoming wedding, he sighed contentedly as he remembered that exactly a year after Hermione kissed him after their charade, he asked her to marry him just like she ordered him to…
This is it. Exactly a year ago, Hermione pulled him in for a kiss before telling him that he could propose in a year and he should just be direct and bloody say it. Of course, he remembered that and while he finds it cute that she understands his awkward idiotic self that much, he wants to make his proposal as special as he can, despite wanting to keep it simple. So, he thought of bringing Teddy along in his scheme…
Hermione is staying over at 12 Grimmauld Place since it's a Friday night. Ever since they got together, she usually sleeps over and leaves on Sunday evening.
So, here they are in Teddy's bedroom...
The little boy is now plonked on his bed with his snitch-covered PJs on. With a conspiratorial wink to his godson, which was acknowledged by a playful wiggling of the boy's brows, he knew the game is on. Hermione didn't notice their interlude because she was busy looking for a storybook for Teddy.
"Auntie Mione?"
"Yes, Teddy-o?" She turned to the boy with a big grin.
"Last year, you said that Uncle Harry should ask you a question, right?" The boy held a thick book which is a compilation of muggle fairytales to his chest.
"Huh? I don't understand – "
"He says you should open this book and read this for me," Teddy handed the book to his favorite aunt.
"Once Upon A Time: A Collection of Fairytales," Hermione read the title and smiled at the little boy. When she opened the book, she gasped. Laying on the center of the pages is a cut-out part that cradled a red velvet box.
"I – wha – Harry!" she said breathily.
He approached Hermione and took her hand so she could stand from Teddy's bed. With a nod to his godson, he knelt on one knee. Teddy removed the velvet box from its place on the book and opened it for him.
"Thanks, buddy. You're the best wingman ever," he winked at the little boy when he accepted the box.
"Hermione Granger, this same day last year, you told me to just plain propose. So, I'm doing exactly that. I love you, Hermione, I always have and I always will. So... Will you marry me please?" His grip on the opened box is slightly shaky since he was a bundle of nerves. He was looking at her with all the love and tenderness that he felt.
"Yes! Yes!" Hermione wiped a stray tear away as she tackled him in a big hug.
"Oomph!" He almost lost balance since she was too strong despite her petite frame.
"Love, you haven't seen the ring yet," he chuckled.
"Oh, right. Sorry…" She said sheepishly.
"It's alright, I understand the excitement. I did step up the notch for this proposal," he winked and she giggled.
"Well, let's see it then," she said. He took her left hand and carefully removed the 2.5-carat cushion diamond set in platinum surrounded with little diamonds from its box. This ring was once worn by his mother and his grandmother since it's a family heirloom. He kissed the back of her hand before lovingly placing the ring on her dainty finger.
"Harry, it's beautiful…" she whispered as she glanced at the ring.
"It's a family heirloom," he grinned.
"Harry, this is too much," he wiped the tears from her cheeks.
"Nah! I didn't buy it. It's just there in my vault," he shrugged.
"Shouldn't you keep this for – "
"I want you to keep it love, maybe you can pass it on to our son when he proposes. When that happens, I'll buy you another ring," he grinned.
"If you're sure…"
"Only you, Hermione Granger, would argue about your engagement ring," he snorted.
"Sorry."
"Honestly, we should just kiss by now," he feigned disappointment. Rolling her eyes, she leaned closer so she could kiss him.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Teddy jumped up and down in delight. When they pulled apart, they beckoned the very happy child to join them on the carpeted floor. Teddy sprinted towards them and wrapped an arm around each of their shoulders.
'I love you,' she mouthed to him.
'I know,' he mouthed back.
"I'm gonna have a new mummy soon! Right? Right?" Teddy squealed.
"Yes, Teddy! That's absolutely right!" Hermione kissed the little boy's cheeks while he tickled his godson's side. Teddy's happy giggles filled the room. When Hermione winked at him, he understood. They'll be celebrating their engagement in his bed after Teddy falls asleep...
"Earth to Harry!" His daydreaming was interrupted when there was a hand snapping in front of his face. When his mind returned to the present, he looked up to see a smirking Dudley standing in front of him.
"Hey, Big D," he stood up from his seat and clapped his cousin's back in a man-hug.
"Thinking about your drop-dead gorgeous girlfriend again, eh? Tsk! Tsk!" Dudley teased as he took the seat across from him.
"You're wrong. Hermione's not my girlfriend anymore," he said with a grave face.
"What? Bloody hell, Harry! What stupid thing have you done for her to break up with you?" Dudley was outraged.
"Well you see, as of last month, she consented to marry me so she's now my – "
"Your fiancée! Congrats, mate! So happy for you! Finally!" Dudley raised his knuckles for a fist bump.
"Thank you, Big D. With that said, I want to ask a favor from you," he started but when he saw Mr. Amudee carrying their pre-ordered food, he stopped talking.
"Nay Potter! Nay Dursley! Here's your food. Where are your girls?" Mr. Amudee asked after placing their usual orders on the table.
"Hermione is shopping for her wedding – "
"Congratulations, Nay Potter! I give you complimentary takeout for Saw swy My-nee, no?" The restaurateur said excitedly.
"Thank you, sir," he grinned.
"Nay Dudley, how's your wife?"
"She's very busy caring for our newborn daughter – "
"I give you free takeout too. New baby hard but fun, no? Di! Di!" With a courteous nod, Mr. Amudee returned to the kitchen after they thanked the kind, Thai chef, profusely.
As soon as their eyes glued on the food, they exchanged knowing grins and decided to just focus on their meal. When they were half-way through lunch, he continued the conversation.
"As I was saying, Big D... I need a favor from you," he told his cousin.
"Anything, Harry. With the way you helped me and Gemma build our incomes by investing on our business – "
"How many times must you thank me for that," he rolled his eyes.
"Well, you don't understand – "
"Yes, yes. You feel guilty for being a bully blah blah blah," he prattled on.
"I don't know how Hermione puts up with you," Dudley snorted.
"Me too, but well…" He grinned like an idiot as he thought about his fiancée.
"W-H-I-P-P-E-D. Whipped!" Dudley smirked.
"Shut it! It's not like you aren't the same," he retorted.
"That's true," Dudley admitted.
"Anyway, as I was saying, be one of my groomsmen," his voice serious this time around.
"What?!" Dudley was clearly astounded.
"Come on, mate. It's just as a groomsman, you won't have to do much. It's the best man – "
"I don't have problems with the responsibilities, Harry, it's not that. It's just… I can't believe you want me to take part in your wedding after the way I treated you when we were younger," Dudley explained.
"I owe you for finally bringing me and Hermione together, mate. Besides, you're family," he reassured his cousin.
"Brought you and Hermione together? I don't understand," Dudley had a funny look of confusion on his face.
Oh, shit! Verbal slip! Ah, well… Might as well be honest, he mused.
"Remember last year? When we ran into each other here?"
"Yeah, what about that?"
"Hermione and I weren't together at that time…"
"You mean? You broke up and got back together?" Dudley's eyes widened in surprise.
"No! No! That's not what I meant!"
"I don't understand," Dudley muttered.
"Hermione and I were never together. She's just my best friend. We only got together after you first met her during dinner," he finally blurted out the truth.
"What? No way! No! You're kidding!" Dudley shook his head violently. His cousin obviously didn't believe his statement.
"I'm serious, Dud!" He insisted.
"No way! She's all over you during that dinner. That's impossible! You're both so in tune with each other and little Teddy. No bloody way!" Dudley gave him an incredulous look.
"I'm not lying Dud," he countered.
"I really don't understand, Harry. This twist just doesn't make sense…"
"Alright, let me start from the beginning…" that was his opening statement. He narrated everything. He told Dudley about how he got hold of Hermione's Yule Ball picture. He discussed about his conflicting feelings for her. He shared what happened during his bragging episode which originated his charade. He also talked about how he convinced Hermione to play along. Lastly, he admitted how they got together after that dinner. He even shared about Hermione telling him he could just simply blurt out his proposal after a year of being her boyfriend.
After his rather long explanation, Dudley had a slack-jawed look on his face. His eyes widened in disbelief. Harry sighed. Merlin! Why can't Dudley bloody understand what I'm talking about?
"Dud, you alright?"
"Let me get this straight... You and Hermione were never together before that dinner... You're just best friends... You got together because of that charade... When you shared your first kiss, she said you could simply ask the 'will you marry me' question after a year? Is that correct?" Dudley summarized and he nodded eagerly.
"Yes, mate. That's correct."
"But, but – why? You look so, well, she looks so besotted with you during that dinner. And then, I saw her hug you when we pick you up at King's Cross…"
"We always were very comfortable with each other because we've been best friends since we were eleven," he said.
"But – but – "
"Look, Dud, I just want to thank you, alright? Without the whole fiasco, who knows how long I'd finally get the courage to finally admit my real feelings for her," he said sheepishly.
"Bloody hell!" Dudley exclaimed.
"Mate! Don't tell me you still don't understand?"
"No, I understand now. It's just – wow! Who would have thought? Everything is just a lie at the start," Dudley muttered.
"Yeah, sorry about that," he chuckled.
"To Harry Potter, the luckiest bastard in Britain!" Dudley raised his glass of milk tea to him. He smirked as he clinked their glasses together.
"Luckiest bastard indeed," he agreed.
"Damn! I can't believe she even tells you how you should propose and when," Dudley chuckled.
"Yeah, she's organized like that," he sighed.
"I'd love to be your groomsman. I'm sure my wedding speech will be wickedly hilarious," Dudley smirked.
"You're still a bully, Big D," he gave his cousin a mock glare.
"And you're still a wimp, Potter. A heroic lucky bastard, but still a wimp," Dudley retorted.
"We both are lucky blokes for finding women who accept us, eh?"
"Right you are, cousin. Right you are," Dudley agreed and they shared a laugh.
THE END
A/N: I have a photo of the engagement ring, the fairytale book, Teddy, and his bedroom in my Archive of Our Own (A03) website. Just search for tweetysrcclt9 in the author's search box and click on Nightstand Girlfriend. The collage is displayed on the epilogue. Check it out if you want better visuals. Cheerio!