Part 10

Hermione grasped the broom in her hand, eyes glancing across the field and landing upon the small cat that was hidden to all eyes save for her.

"You know you don't have too." Harry said stepping a hair's breath closer, "No one will think less of you."

"A dare is a dare." Hermione blinked her gaze back to her best friend, and could see his worry for her, as he knew of her acute discomfort in riding a broom. She smiled at him reassuringly, "It'll be alright."

"Figured you could be the chaser." He stated somewhat skeptically.

"Great," she saddled the recently purchased Nimbus from her lover, "just catch the snitch before dusk, alright?" She leaned forward ever so much, "I have plans this evening."

Olive eyes narrowed at her wry remark and sparkling eyes, but his litany of questions went unasked as she had already kicked off and was airborne. It had been just over two weeks since the truth or dare game that had obviously had a rippling effect amongst the family; as Ginny was still irked at George, not that he cared – as they had been having sex at least twice a day, her desire as insatiable as his own; and from the fatigued look upon Molly and Arthur's face, he'd venture to guess that their intimate encounters had also exponentially increased too; while his dearest friends had splintered apart after that evening. Ron not understanding why Hermione had walked out on him, and as of yet, she had not offered any explanation; only that she would not be reconciling with him.

Harry had tried to speak with her earlier this week, but she asked that he not interfere and she would tell him when she was ready. And after all that they had shared, and all that she had done for him…he easily acquiesced. Though, he could tell from the radiance that seemed to exude from her skin, that whatever or rather, whoever had entered her life – it had left an unmistakably positive effect. He had never seen her so relaxed, happy…and dare he think, or hope – loved.

The whistle sounded and his thoughts were scattered, eyes immediately setting out to track where the snitch had gone; but his eyes immediately stopped upon Hermione…who looked to be the antithesis of his best friend as she glided through the air appearing completely and utterly at ease on a broom, veering around Charlie as she intercepted the quaffle and bolted towards the goal…

An incoming bludger snapped his attention back to the more immediate matters at hand and not Hermione's odd behavior and obviously her newly acquired skill.

Who would have the skill to teach her? And other than Ginny or I, who would she trust to do so? His eyes noticed the glint of the snitch and his meandering thoughts ceased as his broom sped forward.

Oxox

It was with a mix of apprehension that she lifted her left hand, the gold band glinting in the afternoon's sun as she knocked on the door and with false bravado entered. "Hello," she said smiling at Ginny and making her way towards the kitchen…that had started it all.

"Wasn't sure if you were coming," Ginny intercepted her in a deep hug, "but glad you did."

"Didn't have a chance to tell you," George wrapped his arms around his sister and Hermione, "great game the other day. You should have tried out and played on Gryffindor's team."

"Hey, 'Mione." Harry stated as he came around the corner, eyes immediately noticing the gold upon her left ring finger. Uh-oh, he thought instantly spinning around and grabbing Ron, "Why don't we go and..."

"Hey Hermione," His voice bordering on sullen as he turned to Harry who had grabbed his robe, "What's with you?"

Molly bustled from the kitchen her smile upon seeing Hermione quickly vanishing as she saw the gold glint along the bottle of wine. George and Ginny followed their mother's gaze, and the ambient movement in the room ceased as Ron too finally realized what had drawn everyone's attention.

"Who is he?" Ron snapped, voice rising an octave as he continued on, "And how long…were you cheating on me with him?"

A pin drop could have been heard as all eyes fell to the young woman, and she felt like running…caving to the overwhelmingly daunting pressure, but she couldn't and wouldn't. She was a Gryffindor after all. However, as much as she wanted to say something…her throat remained constricted as she gazed into a face that once held love and now only portrayed rage.

"I believe he…" And Hermione's heart instantly soared and could have touched the stars, as Minerva's voice broke the stillness, "would be me." Jaws dropped and eyes bulged as Minerva entered the room beside Arthur, "We were married two days ago, our relationship stemming from a promise I made to a friend three weeks ago that culminated in a game of truth or dare - here, at the Burrow."

Complete and utter silence reigned for almost a minute before George's voice finally broke the stillness, face still slack as he openly gaped at his previous head of house. "That must have been one hell of a kiss."

"Yes, George," Hermione drew everyone's attention, "it was." Her voice becoming soft as she inadvertently repeated, "It really was."

Oxox

a/n: Hope you enjoyed this random thought that found it's way into written form - and a special thank you for all the kind words.

Goes and stares at computer screen and waits for the next chapter of Bonding to mystically get done...and waits...and waits... - perhaps I'll need a chair, I think as I start to drag one over...and then I hear a voice and a comment- nope, I reply and shake my head...it's 'your' turn to write. Already wrote half of it...I'm just a bystander now. Plops down and blinks at the computer screen and...waits.

For those interested, I have 'started' on the next chapter but it will be a few weeks before it gets finished. However, there may be an 'interlude' or rather a moment between moments so to speak. Either way, see ya all soon ;)