FicWad

A/N: Woo, wow, this took me a while. Just didn't want to get done really. There's a conversation in here that I JUST COULD NOT GET RIGHT for like a week. Anyhoo, hope you enjoy it, also there's a long bit at the end after the chapter that has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with the story... at all. It's a very long review response, and it's pretty much a rant, so feel free to skip that shit if you don't care. Wont hold it against anyone.

In any case, enjoy!






Chapter 11: When Patience Goes Bankrupt

It was a nervous Harry waiting in the entrance hall for Hermione. Despite his wish, Ron had quite stunningly not been at supper the day before, nor breakfast the following morning. Harry hadn't even checked at lunch, preferring a quiet lunch with Gabrielle. Though dessert ended up being quite loud and rambunctious.

Harry was admittedly early, but then again, he assumed Hermione would have been early as well. She was usually rather punctual. Harry was lifted from his wondering by a tap on his shoulder. He spun quickly hand automatically falling near the pocket of his crisp black dress robes where his wand lay. It was Ron.

"Hey Ron."

"I thought you said nothing was going on between you and Hermione."

"We're going as friends Ron. We're just friends." To Harry's surprise there was no stab of guilt he said this. It was after all, true from a certain point of view.

Ron looked disbelieving for a moment, thought about it, nodded and cuffed Harry on the shoulder. "Alright, mate. Have a good time I guess."

"I doubt it, I really didn't want to go in the first place, but Hermione kinda made me. Said it would chase off some of my stalkers..."

Ron cocked an eye brow, "stalkers... really?"

"Oi, I'm not making this up," said Harry in a harsh whisper, "that Vane girl tried to dose me with love potion."

Ron cocked his head and squinted his eyes, obviously trying to picture her, "she's not bad mate. You should have faked drinking it," he chuckled.

"She's not bad I suppose, but really not my type."

Ron laughed, "I suppose anyone would seem plain after a Veela," Ron mused, "Dean said he saw you guys really going at it at Hogsmeade. Nice one."

Harry smirked, "I guess, still, there's some real... talent here at Hogwarts."

"Too true, too true," he put his hands behind his head and sighed, "I'm still not sure how I got so lucky. Lav is such a babe."

"For you maybe," said Harry jokingly, "personally I like a good red head."

"Oi, watch it Po-"

"I was talking about Susan," Harry interrupted with a teasing grin.

"Oh- right. Yeah, nice set of twins on her."

"Yeah," Harry nodded solemnly, Susan's chest was legend, "Though Ginny is pretty cute too."

Ron swatted Harry on the head.

"Hey! I only speak the truth!"

"How would you like it if I said that about- about- dammit..."

"Ha ha ha, I am immune!"

"Your aunt then!"

"Ewwwwwww Ron."

Ron looked a bit sick, "yeah, didn't think about that one before saying it."

There was a long pause.

"And I wouldn't say no to Greengrass either if I didn't think she's curse my bollocks off," said Harry finally.

"Greengrass? Sorry mate, Slytherin green is like a hotness repelling charm. Also, she would definitely curse your bollocks off. Her nick-name is ice queen for Merlin's sake. Remember when Montague asked her out at dinner third year?"

"And Goldstein during 5th."

"Oh! and that Fredericton Hufflepuff bloke last month."

"Ooooo, yeah, she exploded his... nasty that hex. Least Pomfrey can set it right, though Montague never did seem to sit right on a broom after that."

Finally Harry shooed Ron off so he could meet up with Hermione. She was nearly ten minutes late when she finally showed up, and it seemed that it was worth the wait.

Her hair was done up into a loose messy 'do' of some sort. It seemed bunches of her hair were twined into twists, and the twists were then piled on one another, making her taller than Harry. A few tendrils were artfully left untied and fell on both sides of her face. She had used make-up, something Harry hadn't seen her wear since the ball fourth year. It was just a bit of eye shadow and lip gloss, but it made her chocolate brown eyes pop, and her small pink lips decidedly kissable.

Her dress was a deep dark blood red, while her earrings, neckless pendant, and hair clips all bore glinting green gems in bight silver. The dress tied behind her neck, and was form fitting to her front, leaving her arms, shoulders, and much of her neck bare. It swept all the way to her ankles, flaring at the waist, and dancing lightly above black strappy heels. For a dress with a relatively conservative neck line, it never the less was quite alluring, and was to Harry's delight quite backless.

At first Harry was unable to speak, which Hermione found highly amusing, then gathering himself, he brought Hermione into his arms, gave her a warm kiss on the cheek, and whispered into her ear, loving the way it made her shudder against him, "you look smashing Hermione. Like the best kind of Christmas present. Lord, you look even better than you did at the Tri-Wizard ball."

Hermione giggled warmly, "thank you Harry, you're quite handsome yourself all decked out in dress robes."

"Really Hermione, you look amazing," he gave her a once over, and she blushed lightly at the attention.

They began to walk to Slughorn's office, Hermione with her hand in the crook of Harry's arm, his around her waist lightly. Their walk was slow, because Hermione was still a little unsure with her heels, but was improving quickly, "funny you should liken me to a Christmas present."

"Is it? Why?"

"Cause my panties are held together with tiny little bows."

Harry made some kind of gurgling noise.

"Tell me Harry, can you see any panty lines in my dress?"

Harry leaned his head back to get a good look, and ogle her bum, "no."

"Good. They would look horrible with this dress. That's why I wore a thong."

Harry almost stumbled, and in a harsh whisper asked, "you're wearing thong kickers held together with bows?"

"I'm wearing black satin thongs panties that are almost see through, held together with bows actually," she replied in a naughty whisper, "and I shaved."

Harry looked around and found the corridor quite deserted. He pulled Hermione quickly behind a tapestry he knew contained a hidden corridor, and lifted her, pressed her against the wall and snogged her thoroughly. Hermione tried to wrap her legs around Harry's waist but the dress prevented her. She whimpered at the restriction to her movement, and wrapped her hands around his neck and through his hair with all the more vigor to make up for it.

Harry didn't stop until they had both explored the other's mouth with slow sensuous attention to detail. Hermione let out a small whimper when Harry ran his tongue along the back of her teeth, and Harry felt his feet curl involuntarily when Hermione dragged her tongue across the roof of his mouth.

When they finally stopped breathless, Harry leaned his forehead against her's and said, "Merlin Hermione, you do realize I'm not going to be able to think about anything else all night right?"

"Good," she replied in a low voice, "I want you desperate by the end of the night for your Christmas present."

"My what?"

"Well, I'm not going to actually get to see you on Christmas, so I thought I'd give it to you early," she whispered with hooded eyes.

"What's my present?" asked Harry, much of his blood pumping south.

Hermione leaned in and pressed her whole body to Harry. He could feel her nipples, diamond hard through her dress and his robes. With her heels she was able to simply lean and press her mouth to Harry's ear sucking on the lobe, nipping slightly, then dragging the tip lightly around the cuff before whispering in a promise filled voice, "my virginity."

Harry groaned and pulled her tighter, burring his face in her neck and biting. The moment Hermione felt teeth she pushed him away, "oh no you don't. Don't go marking me up before the party."

Harry gave Hermione his best puppy-dog face. She just laughed pityingly and put one warm hand on his cheek, "oh Harry, that face doesn't work on girls."

"Tease."

"I'm only a tease if I don't follow through. Just think of this as extended foreplay."

Harry just groaned, "when you're randy it doesn't impede you're ability to walk."

"No, but my kickers are probably soaked by now."

Harry groaned again, "not helping."

"Come on, we have two corridors to go, we'll both cool down by the time we get to the party."

They did, though Hermione had to use a quick drying charm and rolled her eyes when Harry smirked, "confidence is sexy Harry, just don't develop an ego, I felt how hard you got."

They heard the music and revelry long before they reached Slughorn's office. The office was clearly expanded. There were nearly fifty people there, milling about, talking loudly over the music. Several couples were dancing on a small sectioned off area near the band; a few mandolin players and a woman singing christmas ballads. The room was covered in red, green, and gold drapes, and a large collection of red fairies swarmed about a large ornate lamp hanging from the ceiling. The light danced and shifted in time with the music.

There was a distinct haze of pipe smoke, much of it coming from a crowded corner near the back. Harry grabbed a couple of flutes of champagne from a tray held unsteadily by a house elf trying to cautiously navigate the dense crowd and handed one to Hermione.

"Harry, m'boy!" Slughorn called above the crowd in his deep booming voice, "Come in, come in, I have some people you just have to meet!" He was dressed in an ornate red tasseled smoking jacket, his ivory carved pipe billowing copious amounts of orange smoke. He grabbed Harry by the arm and led him forcefully through the crowd spilling much of Harry's champagne. Harry grabbed desperately to Hermione's hand not wanting to be left alone with the pushy Professor. Hermione for her part seemed shocked at Slughorn's obviousness in his use of Harry.

"Ah yes, Harry, meet Eldred Worple, one of my favorite students and author of Blood Brothers: My Life Amongst the Vampires, and his friend Sanguini."

Worple, a small, stout man with thick spectacles held out his hand to Harry, spied that his was currently locked in a death grip with Hermione and gave him a knowing smile, "Harry Potter! Simply delighted to meet you- Sanguini stay here," he grabbed the vampire by the arm and pulled him away from a gaggle of girls he had been drifting towards, "here have a pasty," he said grabbing one from a passing elf and shoving it roughly into the vampires hands. Sanguini eyed the half crumbled pasty distastefully, before turning a hungry eye back on the group of girls who seemed to be daring one another to approach the creepy vampire. "Anyway Harry, I was just saying to Horace only the other day, where is an official biography. Some of the unofficial ones have sold quite well, I can only imagine how much would be made direct from the mouth of the man himself!"

"Er, I hadn't realized-"

"Ah, just as modest as you said he would be, but seriously," he became very business like, "I'd be happy to write it myself, people are craving it I say, ever since that interview you did with Skeeter last February. All I'd need is a few interviews, say twelve four hour sessions, we'd be done in only a few months! And the gold you could make!"

"No thanks Mr. Worple, not interested, and actually I was really looking forward to dancing tonight, so if you'll excuse me."

He lead Hermione to the dance floor and wrapped her in a warm embrace, her hand in his, "sorry I realize I didn't actually ask you if you wanted to dance, more of an excuse to get away from... that..."

Hermione laughed, "it's fine. I'm glad we're dancing, I was hoping, but you never seemed to like it."

"Never had the right dance partner," Harry replied with a roguish smile.

"I'm glad the lessons fourth year didn't disappear entirely."

"Just don't curse me if I step on your feet."

"Oh don't worry, you'd never scuff my favorite heels," Hermione said in a sweet dangerous voice.

Harry gulped, "wouldn't dream of it love."

Hermione cocked her head past Harry's shoulder. She had pretty much molded her body to his, arms around his neck languidly; champagne held loosely in one hand. Harry for his part had one arm wrapped securely around her waist, the other massaging and lightly scratching her neck which occasionally gave Hermione full body shivers that felt delicious with her wrapped so close around him. So relaxing was their dancing that Harry didn't hear her question the first two times she asked. It was only after she nipped him in the neck to draw his attention that he finally realized she was trying to get his attention. "Sorry Mione, lost in the moment," he said with a crooked grin.

"I said, aren't they-" she gestured with her head- "two of the Weird Sisters?"

Harry slowly spun them around in sedate rocking until they faced the other way. During the spin Harry had spied his alternate Keeper Cormak McLaggen who appeared to have gone stag, and looked supremely disappointed about something. He also saw Trelawny, who he decided to try and make sure he was always on the opposite side of the room from, and also a short, stout, muscular, yet quite attractive dark skinned woman with mouse brown hair who Harry suspected was actually Gwenog Jones. He remembered vaguely Slughorn mentioning he knew her at some point. She was actually someone Harry might actually want to talk to at some point. 'Maybe I should take advantage of Slughorn's influence after all?' thought Harry shrewdly. While he was usually quite embarrassed by his celebrity, the opportunity might be too good to pass up. While there was still a large part of Harry that still wanted to be an Auror, he admitted readily that few things made him happier than playing Quidditch, and to do so professionally would be a dream. Harry almost chuckled out loud at the thought that his 'plan B' was in many ways just as difficult a career to pursue.

Finally they had finished their slow turn and Harry spied the two people Hermione was talking about. The two buxom young women both wore black robes, torn artfully throughout, with thick black makeup around their eyes, and their lips painted a deep crimson red. Their hair made them look crazed and even gave Bellatrix a run for her money, though their styled hair was clearly the result of magic and product as opposed to filth. They also looked familiar.

"Yeah, pretty sure they are. Don't think I'll make much of a fuss though, wasn't really impressed with them fourth year."

"Oh, I agree," said Hermione suddenly, "on the whole I rather dislike Wizarding music."

"Yeah, Seamus has a wireless and likes to play it while he studies. It's not great."

"I much prefer Muggle music."

"I do too, from what I've heard. Dudley was obsessed with some band over the summer. What are they called..."

Hermione sighed contentedly and buried her face in Harry's neck, "are they famous?"

"Yeah, um... what do you call a lake in a desert?"

"Oasis? I like them."

"Yeah, he played the same album like, five times a day. Got pretty stuck in my head."

"Well, it may be old fashioned but I like the Beatles. My Dad really likes them and used to play them in the car whenever we drove somewhere. I also like The Spice Girls-" Harry snorted- "oh... familiar with them are you?" she added wryly, "yes, okay, they're rather... girly, sort of a guilty pleasure really. My Mum likes George Michael, I don't get it."

"He is rather sappy. Can't say I can picture you listening to Spice Girls though," Harry chuckled, "wait maybe I can, in your room, stereo turned up, dancing on your bed in your underwear, hair flying everywhere, screeching into a hairbrush-"

"I do not screech," Hermione hissed in an affronted whisper while lightly slapping Harry on the shoulder with her free hand.

"Please Hermione I've heard you sing,"

"Oh like you can do better. I heard when Sirius dragged you into singing God Rest Ye Merry Hippogriff, you sounded like a walrus."

"Better a walrus than a dying cat."

"Harry Potter!"

Harry leaned in and whispered the next bit in her ear, earning another shiver for his trouble, "would it help if I told you your cries of passion are the most beautiful music in the world?"

Harry pulled back to see a magnificent blush coupled with dangerously narrowed eyes. It was a look that made Harry want to simultaneously bolt for cover and snog her senseless.

"That was quite the line Harry."

"Sorry, I must be channeling my Dad. I've been told he was quite the ladies man," he responded cheekily.

"Yes well, contrary to popular belief, most girls appreciate genuineness rather than pub pickup lines. I daresay if I didn't know the things you could do with your tongue-" she drew the word out sensuously-"you'd be in big trouble right now Mr. Potter."

It was his turn to blush. In a perfect world he would have been able to kiss her right then and there, but it was not a perfect world, and the extent of their relationship was quite necessarily secret. Hermione seemed to sense his disappointment and said in a low voice, "I know, I want to kiss you too. Just let it build and tonight we'll just go crazy with each other."

"Let's just leave now," said Harry gruffly, his grip around Hermione tightening.

"That would be rude."

"I don't care."

"I do, and besides I wanted a chance to talk to McGonagall."

Harry grumbled, "fine, go do that. I'm going to go talk to Gwenog."

"Gwenog?"

"Gwenog Jones of the Harpies."

"Oh! That's Ginny's favorite player. She has a poster of her up on her wall back at the Burrow. She was actually at one of the earlier parties, seemed quite full of herself."

"Believe me I know. Apparently a lot of strategy she pitches at practice is straight from her, and well, they have won a lot."

"Well, that was lovely dancing with you Harry but I see McGonagall now, go have fun talking Quidditch," she patted him on the head like a puppy. Harry shot her a glare but she was already walking away, "patience Harry, patience," she added just before turning to head over to McGonagall.

Harry turned to try and find Slughorn and saw him across the room amongst the dense pack of pipe smokers. He slowly made his way over but was waylaid by a very inebriated Trelawny. He had lost sight of her and had unwittingly walked straight into her lilting path between the snack table and drink table.

"Harry Potter!" she slurred.

"Um... hello," said Harry thoroughly unenthused. He wanted to talk to Gwenog and then get the hell out of there and ravish Hermione, and hopefully have her ravish him.

"My dear, dear boy!" she exclaimed in a carrying whisper, "The rumors I have heard, the glimpses beyond the veil I have seen, 'The Chosen One' indeed! Of course, I have known all along, but to have my glimpses and suspicions confirmed. My dear boy have you turned your back on Divination. Now more than ever it is of dire importance for one such as you!" She had lost much of her slurring, but her eyes were glassy and unfocused.

"Ah, Sybill, we all think our subject is the most important!" Slughorn called as he made his way back towards Harry. With a firm grip he put an arm around Harry, and quite red-faced and much too loud said, "you should see what a wonder he is at potions, a natural just like his mother! Why even Severus struggled a bit with a few of the more advanced N.E.W.T potions, didn't you Severus."

To Harry's horror Snape seemed to just appear beside Slughorn who had somehow pulled him from the nearby crowd, before then unnoticed entirely. "Really Severus, it is a testament to your ability as a teacher as well, though he clearly is driven with natural talent, you did nurture that talent for the last five years!"

Snape narrowed his eyes first at the hand firmly wrapped around his shoulder, then down at Harry pass his long sharp nose, "interesting, in my experience I've found Harry to be rather... lacking when it comes to Potions, despite my best efforts."

Harry had to hold back a snort, 'best efforts'?

"Well, natural ability then, did you know, his first ever attempt at the Draught of Living Death, was as close to perfect as I have ever seen in student work?"

"Really?" said Snape quietly and slowly, his eyes narrowing suspiciously at Harry. Harry averted his gaze just enough to avoid direct eye contact. The last thing he wanted was Snape using a Legilimency probe on him. It was proving difficult to imagine anything else besides the Half Blood Prince and his wonderful book.

"Remind me what other subjects you're taking Harry m'boy?" asked Slughorn.

"Defense, Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology-"

"All the subjects required for Auror placement," interrupted Snape with a barely contained sneer.

"Yeah well, that's my first choice actually."

"You'd make a fantastic Auror Harry," boomed Slughorn, "you've probably got more experience fighting dark wizards than any cadet in the history of the force, wait you said first choice, what was the second?"

"Actually, could I have a private word with you sir?"

"Of course of course, Severus, have some of the Elf mead, it's too die for!"

"Perhaps, though I see something that requires my attention anyways, we'll speak later Horace," though Snape sounded very unenthused with the prospect, and moved away with a purpose.

Harry, not really caring about whatever had caught Snape's attention followed Slughorn to a slightly more private spot. "Harry, I must say you and Miss Granger make a lovely couple, though I thought you were with the French girl?"

"Me and Hermione are just friends Professor."

"Of course, of course," he said with a knowing smile, "remember Mr. Potter, I was young once, and have much experience in the matters of the heart. Any time you need advice about anything at'oll Harry, don't hesitate to ask."

Harry blanked for a moment, "um... of course sir."

"So, what did you want to ask me about?"

"Well, my first choice sir is Auror like I said, but I love Quidditch as well."

Now Slughorn's smile turned almost predatory, "ah yes Harry, I hear you loud and clear. Come, come, let me introduce you to Gwenog. She was one of my favorite students you know? Always sends me a free ticket whenever I want. I introduced her to her agent you know," he finished slyly.

Harry could hear the desire in Slughorn's voice. Harry knew he was an exceptional seeker, but didn't know if he was good enough to go pro. He was hoping to find out somehow, and it sounded like Slughorn did as well. Quidditch stars were after all, very good friends to have to a person like Slughorn. Harry would rather have not dealt with Slughorn in this matter, but ultimately if he could actually gain something out of it, something he wanted, he'd have no problem throwing tickets his way, or sending him a box of caramelized pineapple at christmas.

"Gwenog!" Slughorn ejaculated loudly.

"Horace!" she smiled broadly and hugged Slughorn and gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek, "my favorite Professor, this is a lovely party, thank you for inviting me."

"Oh think nothing of it my dear. Actually, I would like you to meet someone. Ms. Gwenog Jones, may I have the great pleasure of introducing you to Harry Potter. One of my favorite students, his Potions work is impeccable, and, though I am loathe to admit it, has Captained the best Quidditch team I've seen at Hogwarts in ages. One game in and they're already the favorites, McGonagall has been impossible, though I try and stay out of her and Severus' arguments- thought that's quite beside the point, Harry has expressed interest at perhaps pursuing Quidditch professionally."

Gwenog gave Harry an appraising look, "you play Seeker correct?"

Harry nodded.

"I'd be interested to see you play, though of course I only field women on my team. Women are just naturally built better for Quidditch than men, though you do seem to have the perfect body type for Seeking. Shorter than average, compact muscular build, long fingers, and you look quick."

Harry rather felt like a piece of beef at that description. Gwenog had sounded clinical throughout, though he supposed Captaining a professional team built skills like that.

"Um... thank you?"

"Of course, like I said, I field girls, so while I'm always interested in meeting a fellow player, I'm not sure I can do much to help you with your career."

"Now, now, don't be rude Gwenog, I was thinking Anthony might like to take a look at him."

"Perhaps..." she trailed off, sounding a little uninterested.

"Also, one of his chasers, the Weasley's youngest uh..."

"Ginny," Harry supplied quickly.

"Yes, young Miss Ginny Weasley, she's quite the spitfire on the pitch."

Now Gwenog looked genuinely interested, "really?" She turned to Harry, "what position does she play?"

"Center forward, she's also our scoring and passing leader," Harry responded quickly and a bit distractedly, as something over Gwenog's shoulder had caught his attention. McLaggen was currently standing quite close to Hermione who was flat against the pillar nearby the drink table. McLaggen had one hand on her upper arm and the other flat on the pillar behind Hermione. He was leaning in close, far to close and seemed to be laughing, whereas Hermione just had a sour affronted look on her face.

"You know, maybe I'll see if I have a free afternoon sometime after term starts up again to check out this Weasley girl, and of course-" she nodded at Slughorn, "I'll bring Anthony along to have a gander at Harry. While I may have no interest, I wouldn't deny Anthony the chance to find another client. Just send me a list of your practice schedule and the date of your next game and I'll see what my schedule is like."

"Of course," said Harry, barely paying attention. McLaggen had moved his hand from Hermione's arm to her face and she looked irate, "excuse me."

Harry walked quickly away not giving any mind to the surprised looks on Gwenog and Slughorn's faces. McLaggen had just descended on Hermione pressing his lips to hers. Hermione immediately used both hands to push against his chest, but he was quite large, and the hand on her cheek stopped her from turning away, even though her eyes were open in a wild fury.

It took Harry all of two heartbeats to be there, and another heart beat to pull McLaggen forcibly from Hermione, and another to punch him straight in the mouth.

He fell immediately and Harry followed him down not caring about the sudden searing pain, left hand gripping the collar of his robes, the other hitting his face as many times as he could before being pulled off forcibly by Slughorn and Hermione. He realized belatedly Hermione had been screaming at him to stop. Letting himself be pulled back, he got to his feet and took a step in front of Hermione in-between her and McLaggen.

McLaggen got unsteadily to his feet, his lip was split, and his left eye had the beginnings of a nasty shiner. She spat blood and a tooth onto the floor, "Potter what the hell!" he yelled.

"YOU STAY AWAY FROM HERMIONE!" Harry roared.

Hermione was pulling him by the hand in a wide arc around McLaggen towards the door, "Professor Slughorn, thanks for inviting us, it really was a lovely party, sorry," she added on the end with a cringe.

Slughorn followed them out while a House Elf tended to McLaggen's face. "Harry," started Slughorn sternly, "a Muggle duel... really Mr. Potter what were you thinking,"

"Oh Professor," replied Hermione before Harry could respond, "he was defending me and got a little carried away. McLaggen ambushed me under the mistletoe and took that as free license.

"Oh dear me," said Slughorn, "well in that case I think I'll avoid taking points then, do try and keep your... passions... in check," Slughorn added chucklingly.

"Sorry Professor, I will Professor," Harry added contritely.

"Pish posh, defense of a lady's virtue is probably the best reason for dueling." Slughorn left them at the door and as he made his way inside Harry just caught him saying, "muggle dueling, just like his mother, so much passion."

Hermione swatted Harry on the chest, "I can't believe you punched him!"

"I can't believe I didn't kill him actually," Harry growled.

Hermione scoffed and rolled her eyes, "while very gallant of you Harry, I can take care of myself," she tried to look stern, but the corner of her mouth twitched. "I'll have you know I was just about to pull my wand when you pulled him off me."

Harry looked at her stunning and gave her a once over, "where on earth are you keeping your wand?"

Hermione stuck her fingers under the top of her dress and quick as a whip pulled her wand from between her breasts.

Harry just gazed at her for a second, said "fuck you're sexy," then grabbed her into a heated kiss. Then Harry was was being pulled from Hermione and felt something hard and fast hit him in the mouth. Falling to the ground hard he only had one dazed thought, 'well that was ironic'.

"Ron!" Hermione shouted.

Ron didn't respond, he just pulled Harry up by the scruff of his robes and pushed Harry against the close wall, "I knew it! I knew you were lying to me!"

Ron made to swing again but was physically repelled by Hermione's quick shield charm sent between them. She stalked up to Ron, looking furious and began hitting him round the head emphasizing every other word, "I can't believe you Ron! How dare you attack Harry like that! You have no claim to me, and no say over what we do together!"

"Hermione stop!"

She shoved him, "and always throwing Lavender in my face trying to make me jealous, how dare you, HOW DARE YOU! WE ARE NOT TOGETHER SO KEEP YOU FAT HEAD OUT OF MY LOVE LIFE! IT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!"

Ron stilled, spun on his heel and walked away. It was so out of character for Ron that Harry and Hermione just stood there stunned for a few moment. Harry went to Hermione and pulled her into a hug, "I'm really, really, really, sorry, and I still absolutely want to spend the night with you, but I need to- just- just give me an hour. Please? Please don't say tonight was ruined."

Hermione was silent a long moment, "no, I understand. I'll go keep Gabrielle company. Come find me after dealing with... that blithering idiot," she finished harshly.

"Right."

"Just don't take too long Harry, or I'll start with out you," she added, biting her lip coyly.

Harry groaned, "as long as I get to undress you out of this indecent outfit."

"Deal, oh and if you take too long, I might just have Gabrielle assist me in starting with out you."

Harry gaped, and didn't know if she was joking or not. Her face was inscrutable either way.



.:~:._.:~:._.:~:._.:~:._.:~:._.:~:._.:~:._.:~:.



Harry caught up with Ron at the staircase up to the common room, "Ron wait!"

Ron stopped and turned but looked very unhappy.

"We've been best mates for six years, you own me a chance to explain."

"Explain!?" Ron exploded, "what is there to explain!?"

"A lot," said Harry calmly.

Ron crossed his arms and stared at Harry, his eyes boring into his, seemingly trying to decide if Harry was really being serious, "fine."

"Good, follow me."

After a few long silent minutes Ron asked, "Harry, where the hell are we going?"

"The Hogs Head."

Ron stopped, "what?"

"We're going to the Hogs Head, have a pint, and I'm going to explain.

"Okay," replied Ron after a long moment.

They didn't speak again until they were in the pub. They sat at the bar and noticed it was quite sparsely populated. There was a trio of cloaked wizards all smoking large lime green cigars that emitted similarly colored smoke. It made the whole pub smell like citrus fruit with an underlying scent of goat.

"Oi, Abe! Another one down 'ere," called a gruff man with a heavily stained cloak. His face was heavily scarred and one eye looked blind. The aforementioned bartender made his way down to the man and poured measures from several smoking bottles. The last one glowed faint red and when it hit the rest of the concoction it shot multicolored sparks for a few seconds. Collecting a few sickles Abe made his way down to the other end of the bar where Ron and Harry were seated.

"What'll it be?" He asked with an arched eyebrow.

Harry realized now what a sight they were, him in his best robes, and Ron in standard Hogwarts affair, "um... two butterbeers?" he hadn't meant for it to sound like a question.

Ron gave Abe a calculating look, "and two firewhiskeys," he added, making his voice go as deep as he could.

Abe alternated which brow was arched. Then took two dusty bottles from beneath the bar and some shot glasses, filling them with the smoking spirit.

When he left Harry looked questioningly at Ron, "ever had firewhiskey before?"

"Nope, but I'm thinking this isn't going to be a fun conversation."

"Me and Hermione aren't dating Ron."

Ron scoffed, "yeah right Harry." He downed the shot in one gulp, and Harry followed, steam shooting from their ears.

"We're not."

"Harry! You and Hermione left the party, you called her sexy and then kissed her."

"Yes, but we're not together, together."

Ron looked bewildered, "don't lie to me," he said coldly.

"I'm not. We're... friends, and we're... casual."

"So... you're saying Hermione is a scarlet woman and you're a man-whore."

"Ron if you call Hermione anything close to that again I will hit you," he took a swig from his drink, "we're friends, we love each other as friends, and after you dropped Hermione for Lavender she was sad, and angry, and after a while she decided she just wanted to have some fun. It's... this kind of thing is far more accepted for Muggles. It's largely opposite really from the Wizarding world. Serious relationships during teen years are much more rare, and dating is far more casual. We have fun together, and all in all, the best thing about it is we're better friends for it."

"I didn't drop-"

"She asked you to Slughorn's party, you said yes, and then not even a week later you snogged Lavender. I know-" Harry spoke over Ron's retort-"that you didn't say you were boy friend and girl friend, that you never labeled what you were, or defined the relationship, but you two had a date planned and then... well... yeah."

Ron stared at his bottle for a while, peeling the label off, "Oi Abe, two more firewhiskeys."

They downed them quickly and after a long pause Ron finally said, in a calm voice now, "I really bollocksed up didn't I?"

"No, you didn't, well I'd have rather you hadn't hit me, and Hermione's likely to be mad for a while, but I did lie to you, even if it was a lie of omission. Just, don't get so angry about it again. Besides, you have a girlfriend."

"True."

"Mate, we're not going to stop either. I- I love her Ron, and I love the closeness we've found. We've always been great friends, but I've never felt closer to her. You two are my best friends. I love you like a brother, and I love Hermione like- well I probably would have said a sister before, but there really isn't a category for this. Honestly, I thought it was weird at first as well, but she's... I think of her as family Ron."

Ron looked a bit angry again, "Harry, I'm... I don't know if I can handle this."

"I'm sorry-"

"Don't be sorry. I wouldn't be if the roles were reversed. I just... the thought of you two... Merlin," he finished in a quiet voice.

Harry didn't know what to say.

"I can't believe you're cheating on Gabrielle," Ron said suddenly.

"I'm not."

Ron looked sharply at him.

"She knows."

Ron gaped, "she knows? Merlin Harry, you're the luckiest unlucky bloke in the world."

"I'd trade it all for my parents Ron," said Harry quietly.

Ron sighed, "suppose you would," he finished his Butterbeer.

All of a sudden Harry rather felt like he was kissing Hermione. It was what Gabrielle described as a 'true' French kiss. Harry had always though of a 'French Kiss' as simply being a kiss with tongue, but Gabrielle had educated him. Turned out it was less a kiss and more of a mutual tongue massage. Now it felt like he was doing that to Hermione.

"Can't believe you have a girlfriend who's cool with that. A Veela even."

"She's not my girlfriend," Harry added distractedly.

"What, is she just casual too?" he asked bitterly.

"No, quite the opposite actually," Harry glanced to see that no one was near them, and Abe was at the other end of the bar talking quietly with the gruff man, "we're bonded mates," the kiss had become heated.

Ron looked stunned, "I thought that was a myth!"

Harry shushed him, "it's a secret, don't tell anyone."

"But how?"

"Second task, saved her from the lake."

"Blimey."

"Gabrielle told me Fleur plans to bond to Bill after the wedding actually."

"Really? Merlin Bill is cool."

Harry began to feel his breasts teased with tentative fingers, 'wait, breasts... this is from Gabrielle... Hermione is... he put if from his mind, this conversation just had the weight of importance.

"It's not just Hermione I feel that way about."

Ron had a dark look, "who else?"

"You."

Ron looked a bit peaked, "me? Harry I don't swing-"

"Not that!" Harry said sharply, "I mean... I... you're my brother Ron. I came to the Wizarding world alone, and found my family. You and Hermione, and now Gabrielle. And Sirius..." Harry's eyes burned with unshed tears, but he had cried enough for Sirius. "I mean, it probably means more to me than you, you already have such a large family, I really envy that."

Ron was silent for a long while, though his expression had turned from dark to thoughtful, and then finally a little sad, "I'm an odd one out though."

"What? What do you mean?"

Ron did not look at Harry, his gaze seemed to be drawn to the neck of the now empty bottle he held, "Bill and Charlie were always together you know? And they tortured Percy pretty much from birth on, and look how he turned out. Stick up his ass his whole life, then pretty much turns his back on the family for the bloody Ministry. And a corrupt Ministry at that."

Harry simply nodded, this seemed like an incredibly bad time to interrupt.

"Then Fred and George had each other and they tortured me pretty much from the get go."

"What about Ginny?"

"Ginny! I mean, yeah we were close, but not like two brothers can be close. Mum always said I had to look out for her, but honestly, she's always been better at avoiding trouble or worming out of it when it comes her way better than me. Everyone doted on her too. I'm number six, right before the daughter my Mum always wanted," he added bitterly at the end.

"I'm sorry," it was inadequate, but what else was there to say?

"S'alright... sides... the point I was trying to make was... I think of you as a brother as well. Long lost black haired Weasley sort of thing."

It took a moment for Harry to respond, "thanks Ron, that means a lot."

"Oi, don't start gettin' all girly on me alright mate?"

"Ron," Harry asked in a teasing voice.

"Yeah?"

"Ron?"

"Uh... yeah?"

"I love you man," cried Harry in an exaggerated voice, clapping one arm around Ron far harder than was necessary.

Ron gagged and shoved Harry off, "Go to bed Harry, you're getting all... emotional, Merlin, you sound like Lavender."

Harry laughed a bit and left tossing some silver on the counter for Abe. "Ron I'm tired. I'm going to bed."

"Night."

"You gonna stay here a while?"

"Just a bit."

"Don't get in trouble."

"I wont."

"Am I still invited for Christmas break?"

Ron looked startled, "yeah Harry. Yeah, I mean, Mum would be really put out if you didn't come."



.:~:._.:~:._.:~:._.:~:._.:~:._.:~:._.:~:._.:~:.



Harry left the pub quickly, and once outside ran full pelt to the Shrieking Shack, back to the school, and up to Gabrielle's room, the halls thankfully devoid of Filtch, or any wandering prefects or Merlin forbid Peeves. The silencing charm on his trainers probably helped. He swung the door open dramatically, but Gabrielle was alone on the bed in her dressing gown reading a book. She leapt up and strode to Harry in less that a second before pulling him into a sweet kiss, "Hermione's in the room of requirement waiting for you," she said sweetly.

"Right." Harry bolted just hearing Gabrielle's tinkling laughter. He sprinted down the hall and straight up to the seventh floor, only slowing to catch his breath when he saw the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy. Once outside he took a few deep breaths and waited until his heart slowed, then slowly opened the door.

The room was lit only by candles. Large ornate windows let in the moonlight, but it was cast on the floor. There was a massive bed with dark red sheets that matched the color of Hermione's dress, and it was surrounded by floating candles like the Great Hall.

Gabrielle often found inviting ways to pose when she knew Harry was on his way back to the room. She seemed to relish catching him off guard. One time Harry had arrived after a brutal double Potions to find her delightfully naked, on her knees, waist bent over the bed, legs spread, and already wet and ready. Harry had wondered the whole way up to the Room of Requirement whether Hermione would be so inclined. Harry almost laughed out loud when he saw that Hermione sat in a chair in the corner, leafing through a textbook. When he was noticed she tossed it aside and stood. Her hair was partially undone and fell in twists around her head to her shoulders, but other than that her outfit was intact, jewelry and all like Harry had asked.

"What took you?" she asked throatily.

"Took longer than I thought to explain things, and even running it's a bit of a trek from Hogsmeade."

"You went to Hogsmeade and back in less than an hour?"

"Yeah."

"Wow, stamina um" -she seemed distracted- "... did Ron understand?"

"Maybe," Harry shrugged, "well no, he understood but, I'm not sure how he's going to take it in the end."

"Do you still want to-"

"Yes," said Harry sharply.

Hermione laughed sweetly, "well come on then. This dress is starting to chaff, and I can't seem to get it off," she pouted, playfully tugging at the cloth.

Harry pulled her to him gently, until they were pressed together head to toe, "wait, there's something I want to say first."

"What is it Harry?" asked Hermione, her voice muffled by Harry's neck.

"My conversation with Ron forced me to put something into words, and I wanted to tell you."

"What something?"

"How I feel about you."

Hermione looked up and locked eyes with Harry, she looked nervous, "and?"

"Hermione, you're my best friend, and before all of... this... I would have said I loved you like a sister, but clearly that's not the case, incest aside. You're more than that, we're more than that. We're more than boyfriend and girlfriend too. You're also not a mistress, or concubine, or anything else I can think of. You don't really have a category in my life other than... family."

Hermione looked on the verge of tears, "you know Harry, I had the same realization as you a few days ago. My life is so full of- of lists, and categories, and-and, I didn't know where to put you. I crave order in my life, and you... like you said, more than a friend, more than a boyfriend, but not... it's not like I want to marry you either, I just don't want to ever let you go. Then I thought maybe we were just lovers-"

"But that's not enough either is it? I would say me and Gabrielle are lovers. We're definitely friends now, but really the main goal of our relationship is to make the other feel as good as possible. As far as I can tell Gabrielle's interests include Charms and sex. You, you're far more than that."

"I know, I came to the same conclusion as well, but... I also found a category for you."

"What?"

"You're my Harry," she said simply, and squeezed him tighter and more warmly.

The words may as well have stung Harry's eyes themselves for all the weight they seemed to carry. It was like a calming wave washing over Harry. The truth and rightness of the words left him warm and content, he was her Harry, and she was assuredly his Hermione. They may never marry, or be exclusive. They both might have other loves, and lovers, but she would always be his Hermione, and he, 'her' Harry.

"Mine?" she asked, very quietly.

"Always... mine?"

She half sobbed half laughed, "always," then after a long pause, "make love to me Harry."

In her heels all Harry had to do was lean in. Their lips brushed tenderly, once. Twice. Three times, then all pretense of patience was lost. It was like the first time they had kissed. With Cho, Harry had focused more on the fact that he was kissing someone, that it was his first kiss; but with Hermione, it seemed an all consuming thought, that each action, each moan, each sigh came from Hermione. Somehow the fact that it was her heightened everything.

His best friend.

They knew everything about each other. They could finish each other's sentences. They could talk to each other with out speaking. Talking was certainly not necessary now. Harry was running his hands up and down Hermione's sides, the feel of the curve of her waist and hips sensuous in the silky material. Hermione was pulling frantically at Harry's clothes, held back in her frenzy only enough to avoid breaking their kiss.

Harry moved his hands from her sides to her face and held her still as he kissed her exactly how he felt Gabrielle had done while he was at the Hog's Head. Hermione rewarded his efforts with a silky gasp and the ripping open of his shirt, mother of pear buttons clattering to the floor, an oddly piercing sound through the quiet room. Harry broke the kiss just long enough to sling his temporarily ruined shirt and cloak to the ground.

Hermione made a negative short whine like noise at the interruption, but never-the-less seemed pleased with Harry's new expanse of flesh, as she ran her hands up and down his chest and belly.

He pulled her to him tightly, and undid the the knot at Hermione's neck with a slow smooth pull. She seemed reluctant to stop pressing herself to him, so he tugged her dress down, earning another gasp, and the warmth of her bare skin against his. Dimly, through the haze of lust and pleasurable friction Harry thought, 'her breasts really are fantastic'.

She raked her nails down his front strait to the waist-line of his pants, and it was Harry's turn to gasp against Hermione's mouth. She took advantage of his quick second of inaction delve into his mouth with her tongue, exploring the now familiar territory. She seemed particularly to enjoy tasting the roof of his mouth, and his teeth, always his teeth. Harry didn't know if it had to do with her parents being dentists, or just that her household no doubt put a lot of importance on tooth care, but it made Harry shiver in the best way.

Before she could retreat Harry trapped her tongue with his lips and sucked gently. Hermione went weak in the knees and made a soft breathy 'ah'. He held her up with his arms corded around her waist and back, while she raked her nails through his Hair and neck.

It was suddenly not enough for Harry, and the weight, the gravitas as Hermione would say of what they were about to do, what Hermione was giving him seemed to descend; and Harry decided then and there, that this night was about her, his Hermione; his rock. He was going to use every ounce of his skill, his passion, his ingenuity and cleverness to make this the night of her life. He was not going to stop pleasuring her, until she was knocked unconscious or begged him to stop; but perhaps not even then.

He descended slowly, starting with her neck, then her collar, then her breasts pausing briefly in his downward trail to suck and nip at her hard nipples. When he flattened them with his tongue he could feel her heart beat.

"Ooh, that's marvelous," she whispered.

He trailed his tongue down between the valley of her breasts, down her soft belly, and tongued her bellybutton until she squealed, "stop that tickles!" He bypassed her center entirely and started again down at the hem of her dress. As he slowly rose his head between her legs, pressing kisses and biting the inside of her calves and then thighs, while his hands ran up the outside, luxuriating in the smooth skin while pushing her dress up to her waist.

When her center was at last revealed, Harry knelt and gazed as if before an alter. Her kickers were exactly as described. Her pussy was clearly visible and outlined with darker less see-through material in a frilly lacy pattern. The lips of her sex were pressed flat by the satin, and the whole area around was damp.

"Gawd Harry, if you're going to do something do something!" she gasped in anticipation.

"Turn around," he said huskily.

She spun and Harry moaned at the sight. Her knickers disappeared in-between the cheeks of her bum, and there on either side were two little black bows.

"That's so hot Hermione," and he leaned and kissed her right cheek, the bit it playfully. Hermione shrieked and Harry looked up to see her head turned as far around as she could get it to gaze down at him, face blushing furiously, biting her bottom lip.

"Do you like my arse Potter?" she asked in a whisper.

"Delectable." He palmed her bum with both hands and half fondled, half massaged.

She moaned, "does it make you hard Harry?"

"Like steel." He let one hand trail between her thighs to massage the satin of her kickers against her wet folds. She arched and rocked her hips back and forth against his fingers.

"Turn back around."

She did, and Harry undid the bows. The garment fell apart, but remained stuck to her front and dug in, in the back.

"Spread your legs a little."

Hermione complied and the string in the crevice of her bum fell, but the front stayed stuck to her pussy. Harry had to literally peel it away, a few strings of her cream clinging to the satin. When the kickers were cast aside Harry leaned forward and buried his nose in her snatch, rubbing her little pink button, and delving as deep as he could go with his tongue. He explored her as he did her mouth, reacquainting himself with the feel of her, and her taste.

Hermione cried out and contracted once, hard.

Harry began lapping and sucking at her clit furiously, all teasing set aside. He wouldn't use his fingers though, he wanted her aching for the feeling of something, anything inside her. He knew from Gabrielle's sensations how much more satisfying the pleasurable contractions rolling through her would be with something hard and solid to grip onto.

Hermione came like a freight train, legs trembling, babbling incoherently; the only words Harry could make out were 'god', 'Harry', and 'yes'. She clutched painfully to his head forcing his face against her with as much strength as she had. She started to come down but Harry wouldn't let her. He palmed her bum in both hands for leverage, and just the lovely feel of those soft round cheeks, and sucked harder and licked faster.

"Oh shit Harry!" She was out of breath, panting like she was running a marathon, and only her grip his head, and his on her bum kept her upright.

She came again, and covered Harry's face in her arousal, but he didn't stop.

"No, Harry no, I can't stand anymore. Come on, your turn."

"No, there's no 'my turn' tonight," Harry pulled back to say, and let one finger slowly draw her clit in a circle to keep her ramped up.

"Wha- why?"

"Your virginity is a gift, and I'm going to treat it like one."

"I enjoy pleasuring you."

"Yes, but this night is about you, let me cherish you."

"I- um... oh Harry," she sighed, "I can't stand anymore, my legs are going to give out." She sounded almost delirious.

Harry stood and lifted her into his arms by her bum. With her dress pushing up to her waist she could wrap her legs around him and hold tight. She clung to him like a life line and kissed and sucked his neck. Harry stepped back to the bed and let himself fall onto it. He used his grip on her to bring her up towards his face until she was straddling his head. Understanding immediately she dropped gently onto his face, Harry immediately setting to work again, Hermione holding onto the back of his head to press him against her. She arched and rocked over him, directing his tongue to all her favorite spots. Sometimes he let her guide, other-times he stayed teasingly away from her clit, nipping the outer folds of her sex, and licking around the edges. She was flowing freely, the hair on the sides of Harry's head damp and dragging against her thighs.

She came again, howling, and Harry sucked the sensitive nub as hard as he could, cheeks hollowing in effort, Hermione quaking body and crazed shouts all the reward he needed. Hermione collapsed onto her hands, now almost flat on the bed, still grinding Harry's face as she came. When the tremors stopped she rolled off and drew her legs against her chest and wrapped her arms around them. Harry slid up and held her to his chest aiding her in the comforting pressure. "Need a minute... s-sensitive... god Harry..."

She started to relax, and turned slowly until she was face to face with Harry. He gazed at her face, loving the way her cheeks were flushed and sweat marked her brow. Her lips looked swollen and trembled slightly. He brought her in for a slow sensuous kiss.

"This," she brought her hands down to gently hold Harry's manhood. She didn't stroke it or tease it, just held it gently, "this, in me. Don't be gentle, don't go slow. I use a dildo so my hymen is gone and you wont hurt me, just FUCK me already!"

Harry rolled her over and she spread her legs smoothly as Harry slid into place, tucked in the cradle of her hips. One arm held his full weight off her, and the other held himself in place. He dragged the tip of his cock up and down against her; she was sopping wet. Finally he aimed true and slowly, ever so slowly began to enter her. His Hermione and he was inside her for the first time. Harry felt drunk with sensation, and wondered if it was the drink earlier in the evening that caused his head to spin, but no. It wasn't the drink. It was the velvet smoothness of Hermione's pussy. The way it gripped and fluttered around him as he drove in inch by torturously slow inch.

It brought a long slow moan of contentedness from Harry, but Hermione was desperate, "Harry stop teasing me please!"

Her desperation broke Harry's resolve and he sunk the latter half of himself as deep as he could go in on swift sinking motion. Hermione's breath caught and she said, "oh my," very quietly, sounding a little surprised. "Harry... it's so hard and... hot..."

"You're a furnace. God you feel amazing Hermione."

"The DO something!"

Harry started slow, for two strokes, but he saw and felt nothing to indicate any pain or discomfort, so he quickly sped up, until no more than a minute later they were slapping together, the sharp sound of skin on skin loud in the otherwise quiet room. Hermione had clearly already been close and Harry could feel her starting to tense, so he pushed up on his arms to watch her face as she came.

He held his gaze for as long as she could, but Harry's relentless fucking overcame her quickly, and soon enough her eyes were forced shut and she shouted the arrival of her latest and from the looks of it most intense climax so far, "Harry I'm coming!" Her neck arched and she swung her head side to side, digging the back of her head into the mattress. Harry just held on to her and continued his thrusting until slowing as she slowed. He settled into a relaxing even pace and she started the rise to her next orgasm.

Harry, not distracted by pleasure shooting over a bond was able to find the same focus he had on the pitch, far from his own eruption, while he licked, kissed, and sucked every available piece of skin he could reach while not leaving Hermione's delectable body. Hermione was far beyond the ability to participate. She looked absolutely wrecked by her last orgasm, her hair was insane, all elegance lost now, it was just a tangled brown mess and exactly the way Harry preferred it. She was covered in sweat, and seemed to be experiencing a full body blush, her tan from Summer all but gone now, her pale skin glowed in the soft flickering candlelight.

"Oh God Harry I'm gonna come again!" she almost seemed awed at her body's own ability to climax so many times in a row. Harry just reveled in it. This time, when she started to rise Harry didn't speed up and just kept his thrusts slow and even. Hermione may have been asking him to speed up but her words were beyond her now, mostly whimpers and cries.

She finally let loose a series of 'Aaahs' that steadily increased in volume as her limbs tensed. When she came she screamed so loudly and harshly she would probably need a Throat Soothing Drought in the morning, and Harry took that as a cue to shag as hard and fast as he could, increasing the length of her climax, and dragging her into the slow crest of the next before coming down from the one she just had.

Harry was close now, her cries and the way she held onto him driving his fervor more than anything else, "I'm almost there," Harry growled harshly in her ear then buried his face in her neck consciously letting himself go and simply enjoying the rapid crest of swelling pleasure that was washing over him.

Hermione's last orgasm already forgotten, she was tensing and shaking in anticipation of the next one chanting "come in me" over and over and "I wanna FEEL it, give it to me."

"OH MY GOD!" Hermione screamed and bit Harry's shoulder and clawed his back as another orgasm was wrenched from her just as Harry reached his.

And it was blissful oblivion for an unknowable amount of time.

When Harry's wits were returned he rolled so he was no longer crushing Hermione, but instead lay under her, surrounded by her.

They clung to each other as if afraid to float away and Hermione slowly opened her eye's and smiled and blushed lustily at Harry. "Thank you," she said weakly, "I can't believe how many time you made me come. I lost count," she laughed weakly.

"I lost count too," he chuckled.

"God, and each one was harder than the last," she sighed out burring her face in his chest, closing her eyes and enjoying the cuddle.

"Thank you for making my first time wonderful," Harry felt more than heard her say.

"You're acting like we're done."

"Oh no..." she moaned, trailing off.

"I'm sixteen 'Mione, I've got more than one spell in my wand."

"Alright, with one condition," her voice was a little stronger now, her breath now under control.

"What?"

"Next time we do this you let me return the favor and shag you into madness."

"Deal."

"Oooooh, what about sleep?"

"We can sleep on the train," Harry said pulling her up for a kiss, already feeling himself harden again inside her.
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A/N:

Ok, so how did people feel about my having responses from fanfic actually tagged onto the end of the chapter? Did it irritate you? Do you even care? If no one cares I'll probably keep doing it starting with the next chapter.

And finally, I have a rather lengthy response to a review here:


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I thought this review deserved special consideration. I already responded briefly to it on the origin site's review response function, but I re-read it and decided I wanted to respond more and publicly, as it's an issue I feel strongly about it. Note: much of this has little to do with the story, and a good bit of it addresses a real world issue. If you care not about an author's rants when it doesn't pertain to their work feel free to skip this, you will miss nothing as far as the story goes.


The review is unedited:


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Why do you have to divert in every way from canon (I.E. Harry getting loads of action), while keeping him fascinated with the slut? Please kill off the Ginny thing as its both stupid (given that Harry's getting actual emotional interest from lots of other places), and you've done nothing to establish why he wants her. Poor writing on JKR's part should not be an excuse for equally bad work on yours.
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My initial response was I admit, less than professional. I quite childishly responded with:



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Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnope.

Really? Slut? sigh
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It was easy for me to dismiss the reviewer and get back to writing, but after a second look many weeks after I had initially responded I felt there was more to say. At first I was just going leave this response in the review comments, but as it lengthened and became a bit of a rant about Ginny and gender roles in society, I decided to post it here, because quite honestly I would be interested in hearing all of your responses to my points as well as the reviewer. Bare in mind that this is written as a direct response to a specific recipient, so in this respect it is an open letter.


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As far as establishing why Harry wants Ginny, I don't feel I need to justify it (though I will) because it's already cannon. Cannon Harry is in love with Ginny, and even ends up marrying her and making a family with her. This story while very, very AU draws heavily from cannon. My intention (though you may believe I have failed in this respect) is to have the characters as they are in cannon and throw unique situations their way. The responses of the characters are how I believe the true cannon characters would react to the situations I've created, with just a bit of a nudge as far as randy-ness goes.

Here is why I think (cannon) Harry is in love with (cannon) Ginny. As an 11 year old boy, having long since forgotten the love that comes from your family, found himself faced with a magic mirror that shows one's truest heart's desire. He saw his non-existent family. A big one, with parents, and uncles and aunts, and cousins, and grandparents. A whole mess of Potters.

As he grew, he began to notice girls. The first girl he really notices is a pretty older girl, who is also his opponent. He comes out of that crush realizing readily that while she was pretty, she was just not someone who he can relate to. As far as Hermione goes, cannon Harry think's of her like a sister, and is quite correct in his estimation that Ron and Hermione want each other bad, but simply bounce off each others' teenage selves. It is not hard to imagine both mellowing as they age, Ron becoming more responsible, and understanding the importance of table manners or swearing, if only as a consideration for the woman he loves. Hermione becoming less interested in blind following of rules, and utter strictness. They probably rub off on each other well once they start letting that happen. People learn to make compromises like that all the time to create stable relationships. Not teenagers though. This is a skill that usually only manifests with age.

When Harry finally realizes what to really look for, Ginny, whom Harry has pretty much grown up with, is someone he saved when they were little, someone who has seen Harry through all of his triumphs and failures, fought beside him in battle, learned with him and excelled, and the following summer actually spent time with as friends. During the year she shows that she can make Harry laugh, she can confront him when she thinks he's wrong. She unlike most girls who are interested in Harry treats him like a normal human being. She gets over her shyness, and can be calm and herself around Harry. This starts during 5th year and comes to the forefront during 6th summer.

By this time Harry's subcontious is already aware of his attraction as evidenced by the way amortentia smells to Harry. Harry, being a stupid 16 year old boy does not realize his attraction until her sexuality is quite literally thrown into his face.

Now, for why Harry would specifically be attracted to Ginny? She is pretty and fit and popular. She makes him laugh, she challenges him, and treats him like Harry and not the boy-who-lived. She comes from a big family, which is something Harry has always wanted. While the Weasley's are something of a surrogate, being with Ginny would make it extremely official. She loves Quidditch. She's passionate and foreword, whereas Harry is somewhat shy with girls, and probably unsure when it comes to physical stuff, Ginny would alleviate a lot of that. They can relate to each other as friends as well as boyfriend and girlfriend. It's not even oedipal, because aside from the red hair there is never even close to a mention of Lily and Ginny looking alike.

Now. I have to admit it really bothers me that you called Ginny a slut. Beyond the ridiculous double standard of promiscuous men being praised, and promiscuous women being thought badly of, Ginny isn't even close to being a slut. Two boyfriends in two years is not a loose woman. She didn't cheat on anybody, and was exclusive to each. There's nothing to indicate that she had sex with either, (it's seems very unlikely), and so in all probability, she has only had sex with the man she eventually marries. That is not a slut. At all. But that's not even really the problem. Even if she was a slut, who the fuck cares?

When I finally find "the one" why would I care what their past experiences were as long as their were A) free of disease and B) free of high levels of emotional baggage. Honestly, I would prefer a partner who knows what they're doing. While I would expect them to be faithful while they are with me, anything that happened before is meaningless in the face of our emotions towards the other. And if someone has a problem with their partners past promiscuity that they are judging assholes or bitches and unworthy of affection.


-Hallows Seeker-






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Ficwad wont let me post chapter 12 yet, so if you got an update sorry. It's up on fanfic and hpfanfic so read it there for now. I do prefer getting reviews here cause I can reply, but alas ficwad is fucking up. I sent an email to the admin and as soon as the problem is fixed 12 will be up in a flash.