Hermione hummed as she walked up to the grand staircase, stopping at the fifth floor, turning around the long corridor and finally reached her destination, murmuring the password to the swimming Mermaid. The door swung open.
It's always nice to have some privacy now and then, and she was pretty much grateful that she'd got a boyfriend who respected that… respected her.
Boyfriend.
Hermione giggled and jumped on the couch, leaning her head against on the plump cushions, her legs now taking the whole couch. She had a boyfriend… none other than her best friend, Harry – whom she fancied for as long as she could remember. An image flashed across her mind, that bespectacled bottle-green eyed boy holding hands with her, walking to the Library, then strolling around the Lake, both of them laughing together…
The image suddenly shifted, her same Harry with those onyx eyes, that husky tone with which he whispered sweet words in her ear, those calloused hands stroking her cheek, her body… that wild man now kissing her like there was no tomorrow…
She blushed. What she had now, was simply amazing. The second kiss they had, without caution and total abandon – she was amazed by her behavior, as if she had been penting up these emotions for a long time. But it was perfect, like she always wanted to kiss Harry.
Those soft pink lips kissed her neck… and lower…
Hermione sighed, no thoughts like that right now. She opened the clasp of her robes and placed it beside her. Fanning her face as she ran a hand through her hair, Hermione thought she needed a female to female talk – it might be good for her. She got up, her legs landing on the floor as she stood up and walked to the kitchen counter. Okay, now, how did it work?
"I want some pumpkin juice," Hermione mumbled hesitantly. A small flash of light, and there dropped a set of six bottles of pumpkin juice. It was grateful that this counter was straightaway linked to the kitchens… it was more convenient than walking to the Hufflepuff basement to the fruit bowl portrait, below the Great Hall staircase.
Hermione remembered all the physical exercise she had done in the fourth year when she wanted Harry to see Dobby… she chuckled. How excited she was then… picking up the five juice bottles – lord, they were heavy… and why did they sent so many? She somehow managed to place them aside, walked to the other posh counter and uncorked the remaining bottle, pouring herself an earnest amount of juice. She took a sip.
"Hey," Harry whispered from behind her.
The juice splashed all over her uniform shirt.
"Oh! Merlin, Harry!" Hermione groaned, trying to brush down her soaking white shirt as she turned around.
"Sorry," Harry said with that not-apologetic grin that always got her flustered. Hermione sighed as she gazed at her shirt, groaning again. She looked up to glare at him again, but then stopped short – oh she was quite a site now… the juice clung to her neck in droplets and her shirt was transparent, outlining her bra and the valley of her generous cups, her hair sticking around the neck where the juice spilled.
"H-Harry…" Hermione mumbled, as those onyx eyes studying her transparent shirt with great intensity.
Harry sighed, shoving a hand through his hair as pink tinged his cheeks.
"I wonder about the sleeping arrangements…" Harry frowned, "If I'm unable to resist this… I am sure I'll end up-"
"No, Harry." Hermione said in an exasperated tone when she recovered, "I promised I will help you. And this-" she pointed at him, then her, "will take a backseat as I'll do everything in my power that it doesn't mess with your sleep – or mess with anything."
Harry looked at her, those onyx eyes lingering on her face.
"I never… I never expressed how grateful I am to have a friend like you, you always help me," Harry started, Hermione laughed.
"Harry, you've saved me too, many a times." Hermione replied solemnly at Harry's bewildered expression, she adopted a brisk tone, "And I didn't like your method of surprise Potter, you have to try better next time."
Harry's eyes darkened even more, "Next time?"
"Y-Yes, n-next time…" Hermione didn't know how to reply as suddenly Harry's body covered her like a blanket.
"Harry, wha-"
A fierce, demonic expression reigned Harry's face; those eyes were at his darkest Hermione had ever witnessed as he eyed the Portrait door – growling menacingly. He gathered her in his arms, embracing her tightly as Luna, Ginny and Ron entered. He sniffed the air, his growling turned more menacing if possible.
"Harry, relax…" Hermione whispered, a bit frightened. Harry snarled out loud at them, his fangs shining in the light and his nails clawed at the ends. Hermione gulped, this was the man – no, the Veela inside Harry.
The three faces snapped at them, and they took in… everything.
"Mine." He growled possessively, clutching Hermione even closer to him, eyeing Ron scornfully.
"Ron, come here." The dreamy quality in Luna's voice disappeared as she dragged Ron towards her and kissed him. Ron was too shocked to even comply, his gaze at Hermione.
Harry growled even louder. Hermione whimpered.
That brought his attention back to her; Hermione was shocked to find that merciless, cruel, harsh stare suddenly changed into loving, lustful, possessive gaze as he kissed her neck, his hands running through her hair. He gave a soft groan, placing a kiss on her pulse point and his lips travelled to her ear – Hermione shivered when his fangs brushed her cheek.
"Don't be afraid Mya…" he whispered softly, gently cradling her neck and getting more access to her neck, his claws barely brushing her. His chest rumbled with a content growl as he picked her up. Hermione struggled against his arms.
"Harry… please-" Hermione said breathlessly, pushing him away. The Veela stopped, gazing at Hermione with such a lust and she suddenly stopped with her movements – it wasn't really helping when she rubbed her curves against him. Okay, she had to deal with this calmly… it was Ron who made his Veela's hackles up, then…
"Harry…" Hermione whispered breathlessly, caressing his face like Luna did to Ron this morning. He kissed her hand, licking the juice she had spilled, "It's okay Harry… I-I am y-yours." Harry's onyx eyes widened at that, he happily stroked her neck and whispered sweet nothings as his vise like grip loosened – Hermione felt like she could finally breathe.
The restless Veela eyed Ron, his angered expression now calmed as he looked back at Hermione, who kept stroking his face, her eyes pleading.
Harry finally let her go, slowly coming back to his senses.
"Did- Did I hurt you?" Harry asked hesitantly, looking ashamed of himself – Hermione knew him all too well. He was blaming himself for this.
"No…" Hermione murmured, taking his hand and kissing his palm. Harry sucked in a sharp breath, but Hermione continued, "It surprised me, is all." She stroked his knuckles in an assuring manner.
He eyed the spilled juice and pulled out his wand – siphoning the liquid that soaked her shirt, making it clean and new as before. He waved his wand at the counter and the counter was clean like before.
Harry looked back at the frozen trio apprehensively. Hermione grabbed his hand, giving a light squeeze of reassurance and then pulled him towards them.
"Bloody hell Harry…" Was all Ron could manage out as they approached him.
"He feels threatened, Ronald." Luna said dreamily, pulling Ron on the sofa. Ron still gazed at them incredulously.
"What was that?" Ginny asked in a same astonished manner, her eyes straying at their joined hands – jealousy and curiosity flashing in her eyes as she sat down beside Ron.
Harry rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. He looked at Hermione gratefully who decided to take the lead, "Harry's a Veela."
A frosty silence welcomed them.
Short, straight and direct. Just what they needed.
Hermione seemed to catch on Harry's thoughts, "Oh c'mon Harry, I believe in being quick and getting over with it."
Harry wanted to retort that she didn't really believe in it when they held the first DA meeting in their fifth year, but he kept his mouth zipped.
Ron eyed Harry like a zoo specimen, Harry felt uncomfortable as he imagined Ron trying to compare him with Fleur.
"He's a male Veela Ronald." Hermione snapped at him. Ron turned red as he looked down.
"But… the big question is… how?" Ginny added helpfully.
Harry retold them the story and whatever Fleur and Bill told him. Luna leaned against Ron, "No wonder you look even more attractive than before."
"Hey, I am supposed to be your boyfriend!" Ron barked, frowning at her. Luna sealed his lips with a good and quick kiss. "You are my boyfriend. But that doesn't stop me from eyeing good looking males."
Ron looked refreshed, not even registering her statement.
Hermione laughed at them, looking up at Harry when she felt Harry's thumb stroke her cheek.
"So… what happened? Why were you growling at Ron?" Ginny asked.
Harry looked at Ron apologetically, "Ron I didn't mean that. It's just that… Veela gets restless when any male get near my… er, Hermione."
Ron looked astonished at this piece of news, but he was quick to reassure, "No harm done, mate." He turned to Luna, now grasping her earlier actions.
"So when're you two going to Bond?" Luna asked placidly.
Harry spluttered while Hermione choked on her breath. They both tumbled with words, none of them coherent.
"We're- we are working on it, of course." Hermione finally managed to say.
"Bond? What bond?" Ron questioned.
Then Harry explained all about the Veela Bonds and their mates and the mating ritual, leaving out all the embarrassing parts.
"Sucks to be you mate. Imagine if anyone got Hermione as a mate for life… that man will die, let alone bond!" Ron guffawed. Hermione growled at him.
"Oh ha bloody ha Ronald."
Harry didn't know what drove him, but it was definitely not the Veela, "Worth the risk." He said, placing a kiss on her hair.
Ron stopped laughing. Ginny glared at her brother and sighed.
"We definitely don't want you to die, Harry." Ginny smiled genuinely. Hermione shot out a relieved sigh. "You're all taking this in very calmly… I thought…" Hermione licked her lips, and shook her head.
Ginny looked at Hermione and gave a rueful smile, "Well… we're past our immaturity," she took a deep breath, her gaze lingering at Harry a second longer than necessary.
Luna and Ginny got up, dragging Ron with them.
"Wait!" Hermione stopped them before they could utter their goodbyes, running to the kitchen and bringing back three pumpkin juice bottles with her, "Elves sent more that necessary," Hermione added by the way of explanation.
Ron grabbed one of the bottles, grinning, "I could get used to coming here every day."
"No you won't," Hermione, Ginny and Luna said. His grin faded as he looked at the three girls – the corners of his mouth turned down.
Harry laughed, "No worries mates, you're always welcome here when Hermione's not here – you know what I mean Mya," Harry added hastily at Hermione's indignant expression.
Luna walked to Hermione, saying that she needed to talk to her. Hermione agreed of course, she was willing to postpone Ginny's eventual – dreaded – talk as long as she could.
She was in no such luck, "Me too." Ginny said determinedly, giving Hermione a meaningful look.
Hermione nodded. Ron stayed too, plopping beside Harry.
The three girls turned upstairs.
Hermione looked on amused as Luna and Ginny took in the room, their eyes darting from the handsome vanity to the large bed. Hermione took one side of the bed, tired from standing as Luna gazed at the other side of her bed, impressed.
"There is no kind of infestations on your bed Hermione… this is so amazing. I have so many problems with Rufflers…" Luna softly stroked her pillow and sat down as Hermione nodded, now used to Luna's non-existent creatures. Luna was so… Luna, she thought endearingly.
"What are these?" Ginny asked curiously, eyeing the glossy bottles of products and the manicure and pedicure kit that was lying there.
"It's all my Mum's doing," Hermione sighed, just remembering the torture made her smile as well as frown, "She thought that her daughter was lacking in products department."
"What's wrong with that?" Ginny asked with a giggle.
"Your Mum had just got you back," Luna whispered in that dreamy-like state, "I would be only too happy if I were you."
Hermione looked at Luna, a rueful yet understanding smile on her face and took her hand, "I guess you're right. I am happy, though." The two girls have bonded well during their time in Bill and Fleur's shell cottage, and they shared their problems with each other (she craved female company). Fleur had been a very nice company, too. It made her think about Fleur in a whole new way. And it also reminded her to write her a letter.
If Ginny sensed she was missing something, she didn't comment.
"That reminds me," Hermione turned to Luna, "What did you want to talk about?"
Hermione and Ginny shared astonished looks as Luna… blushed.
"What? What is it?" Ginny said excitedly, Hermione just remembering in time that Harry might be eavesdropping, she waved a non-verbal Silencio at the door. With a private smirk, she looked at Luna inquiringly.
"I…" Luna said serenely as her blush deepened, "I have a date with Ronald."
Hermione narrowed her eyes as Ginny squealed excitedly.
"And as a Head Girl," Hermione smirked, "I should stop you if you're planning to sneak in Hogsmeade."
Ginny gave her a warning glare as Luna refused to meet her eyes.
"Who am I to stop you?" Hermione said with mock confusion, "I didn't hear anything."
Ginny gaped at her while Luna looked up hopefully. Hermione laughed.
"Thank you." Luna murmured.
"You don't need to thank me," Hermione shook her head, "Harry and I will come up with a plan and will join you two. I think we need our first date too."
Luna beamed, "That sounds brilliant."
Ginny tapped her lips as she gazed at Luna calculatingly, "You decided what to wear?"
Luna shook her head, "We have five days for that."
Ginny groaned, "That's what I dislike about your thinking, Luna, Hermione." She continued ignoring Hermione's annoyed glance, "You leave these sorts of things marked unimportant!"
"That annoys me, for some reason…" Hermione shot a glare at a smirking Ginny. She turned to Luna, "Don't worry, Ginny and I will let you go through my dresses if you want."
"Really?" Ginny and Hermione nodded solemnly. Luna looked pleased, well – appeared pleased. Hermione couldn't really differ those expressions from Luna, but the twinkle in her eyes said it all.
"Now, Hermione." Ginny turned to her.
"I need some juice, I am parched." Luna mumbled, shuffling on her feet and walked out of the room. Hermione looked at her back sadly before turning around.
"I…"
"No." Ginny said in a careful tone, "No, don't say anything. I know I am not over Harry, but I will be. We can't let him die. But this is not what I wanted to talk about."
Hermione frowned.
"Look, I know we had broken up recently. He has changed and I… denied. Yes, I hoped he would come back to me. Maybe this Veela thing had started these feelings for you and no one could do much about it. So, it's okay."
Hermione couldn't believe what she was saying. This… it was as if she was indirectly blaming it all on her. A small spark of anger ignited in her veins. She licked her lips; no she won't let this get to her head. But damn, her words stung. She didn't want her forgiveness.
Ginny closed her eyes, then opened them, hardened determination shining in her eyes. She got up.
"Just don't let him die Hermione."
As if this was hard for her!
Hermione stood up, crossing her arms, "You don't need to tell me that. This is hard for Harry, too. Understand that. I don't know about his feelings, but I won't let him die. All these years… never mind." Least of all she wanted was to give into her annoyance and shove on Ginny's face that she had known Harry longer.
Ginny just scowled at Hermione, evidently getting her message.
"Let's go downstairs." Hermione said and walked past Ginny. She felt distressed. Harry had no option in this… this Veela situation. Why would he want her?
Ginny walked past her, taking slow steps downstairs as Hermione froze on her way.
Why would he want her? Why? For all these seven years she had been just Hermione, his best friend who had all of his answers. The bitterness of this truth left a strange taste on Hermione's tongue. It would take time to accept this, this fact, and Ginny knows it. She definitely splintered some of her confidence.
She walked downstairs, as Portrait door closed behind Ron as she walked to Harry, who looked in a cheerful mood.
"You didn't really let me hear past that." Harry grinned, "What was Luna talking about?"
Hermione smiled slightly, "It's meant to be private…" she finally relented at Harry's pleading look, "Oh fine, she wanted to take Ron on a date."
Harry looked nonplussed, but nodded and didn't say anything.
Harry couldn't put a finger on what exactly Hermione was distressed about, but he surely noticed how the corner of her lips turned down at the mention of a date. She was worried about something, and Harry was intent to find out.
He ran a hand through his hair as they walked on their night patrol, as he finally managed to steer from his talk about Ron to their study schedules for this is an N.E.W.T year. Maybe this was the best time to ask.
"What's bothering you?" Harry asked abruptly.
Hermione twisted her torso to face him; her mouth open as she froze in mid sentence, her foot tumbling on the other as she slowly lost her balance.
For a second, Harry felt like he couldn't breathe.
He caught her before she fell down and injure her arm, her face hitting his chest as she groaned, "I am sorry! I didn't mean to surprise you!"
Hermione gasped, clutching his robes as she pulled herself together.
"I am fine. It's okay; it's not your fault." Hermione smiled, letting go of his robes and stood on her feet. Harry wasn't sure though, she winced when she tried her right foot.
Veela roared at his mate's pain, and Harry knew control no more.
He pulled her in his arms, scooping her delicately as Hermione complained and rushed them to the nearest door.
Which was a classroom.
With two students, snogging.
"Get. Out." Harry growled at them, placing Hermione on one of the desks.
"No!" Hermione glared at Harry, "Stop them!"
Those two students thought that it was the best time to escape, but at his mate's command, he pulled out his wand.
"Carpe Retractum!" Harry pointed his wand at them, thick orangish golden ropes entwining them as Harry jerked his arm backwards, making them tumble down on the floor.
"Ow…" those two students rubbed their arses.
"You didn't need to be that harsh," Hermione grumbled. Harry ignored her, but couldn't help it when the Slytherins stared at them meekly.
"20 points from Slytherin, each." Harry said roughly, some of his control back as he glared at them, "Now, scram."
"Harry! That's not the way to-"
"Show me," He murmured as he undid her shoes and socks and pulled her feet on his thigh. He faintly heard the slapping of shoes against the floor as the students ran away.
"Harry, I am- ouch… ow," Hermione winced when Harry touched her foot, his hand now handling her ankle gently.
"See? And you say you're fine." Harry muttered, testing the movement of her foot as Hermione groaned in pain.
"But… you overreacted."
"I did," Harry shrugged, "Veela can't see their mate's pain."
"You know, your Veela is very active today."
"Yeah right," Harry snorted derisively, "this has been my reaction for the one month. Fleur had to knock me out when I got desperate enough to search for you."
Hermione gaped at him.
"Tell me what's bothering you." Harry said suddenly, intently staring at her feet, caressing it slowly with those calloused – very warm – fingers of his.
Hermione found that a bit distracting, "I… I was worried about Ginny." She blurted unintentionally. Harry continued with his ministrations but looked up at her questioningly. She looked away, cursing herself.
"Oh… she talked to you." Harry murmured in understanding.
"Er… well, yes."
"How was it?" Harry asked carefully, massaging her foot. Hermione relaxed a bit.
"Well, she said not to let you die."
Harry went silent, but continued his massaging.
"She knows nothing. As if you would let me die," Harry scoffed disbelievingly, mirroring Hermione's thoughts earlier.
There was silence for a few minutes.
"There is more." Harry said, pressing his lips together.
Hermione didn't know how to say it. She didn't want to blame Ginny, she wasn't particularly wrong in her saying – but the fact did hurt.
"She said… well, this Veela stuff made you attracted to me."
Harry went silent again, massaging her foot. It made Hermione slightly curious as to what he was thinking.
"Professor Sparks." Harry greeted before Hermione could speak. The door opened five seconds later, as Sparks looked around – his eyes landing at the two of them.
"Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger." Sparks greeted them prudently. There was certain archness in those hazel eyes as he looked at Harry amusingly.
"Is there a problem Ms. Granger?" Sparks asked suddenly, his eyes zeroing on her foot.
Hermione blushed, "Oh no, just got my ankle twisted, is all."
"Show me." Sparks said gently, bending down near her foot as Hermione cast a cautious glance at Harry. He looked perfectly okay, but those green eyes were narrowed.
Hermione tried not to make any sound as Sparks pressed her ankle, slowly twisting and turning, checking whether the injury was serious or not.
"It's nothing serious, well." He stood up, flicking his wand and bandages wrapped themselves around her leg. "This would do for now. Mr. Potter, you could take her to your dorms and apply some ice over it."
Hermione smiled weakly at Sparks, "Thank you Pro-"
"Sparks, or Eustace, remember?" he grinned easily, different from earlier, more easygoing.
Hermione chuckled, "I remember… Sparks."
He ruffled her hair, "It would take a lot to get used to it, I guess."
Harry walked beside Hermione, helping her stand up as they slowly walked out of the room. She felt his stance a bit strange as he wrapped an arm around her waist, dare she thought, almost possessively.
"And Ms. Granger, if you have any problems regarding Veelas, you can ask me anytime." Sparks added thoughtfully. Hermione stared at him, and then at Harry, who nodded. Hermione nodded back slowly, greeting their good nights to Professor and walked away.
Harry scooped her up suddenly, chuckling lightly when Hermione squeaked.
"I can walk Harry." Hermione protested.
"I don't like it as much as Veela does. And carrying you is easier." Harry said in a mildly frustrated tone due to her complaining.
Hermione didn't say anything, but Harry knew she didn't like it any better. She snaked her arms slowly around his neck, blushing as an image flashed of their previous episode in the Library as she touched the soft hairs on the nape of his neck.
She looked at his chest, her eyes darting up as Harry looked at her curiously.
"What are you thinking?" He asked.
"Well…" Definitely not going to tell him that, "Why do you seem so weird around Professor Sparks?"
Harry's speed slowed down, his eyebrows knitted as he effortlessly walked them up the stairs, he was not even panting, "I… don't know. He's a fellow Veela, but just the way he interacts with you… it makes me a bit uncomfortable."
"Explains his good looks… are you sure-"
"Very. I know when it's the Veela complaining, and we're not aggressive towards fellow Veela because-"
"They are already taken." Hermione finished for him, looking thoughtful.
"McGonagall took him in as a teacher to help me." Harry added, now reaching the Mermaid portrait and uttered the password.
"You have to change the password weekly," Mermaid informed them, rubbed her eyes sleepily as Hermione nodded at her and they walked in. Harry placed her down on the sofa, with a quick lightning speed he went to the counter and in a second he was back with some ice wrapped in a tea towel. He sat down beside her, taking her foot on his lap. He patted her foot softly, then pressed the ice on it, looking at her. She nodded, telling him the pressure was perfectly fine. They continued in companionable silence.
"You know…" Harry trailed off, and then blushed.
"What?"
"Er, well, this attraction didn't start with Veela things. Last night made me think a lot of things and I… I knew my feelings changed for you during our horcrux hunt." Harry confessed, pressing the ice cautiously over her feet, but the cold comfort it provided was not comparable to the warm fuzzy feeling that erupted in her chest.
"Really? You are not sad you're stuck with me?" Hermione said, tears burning in her eyes as she blinked furiously.
He looked up incredulously.
"She said something more, didn't she?"
"No." Hermione assured him, patting his working hand, "She… well, it's just me."
Harry shook his head, "I think it was for the best that you are my mate. I don't know what would have happened then, if it were some random girl."
"She would have been honoured to be linked magically with the Boy-Who-Lived," Hermione smiled.
"Exactly, so I am very glad it's you." Harry said lightly.
Hermione wondered again.
"Harry, I won't let you die." Hermione said suddenly, feeling a compelling need to stack that awful memory of their conversation somewhere unknown.
He looked up, those eyes now, those intense green eyes piercing her soul, "I know. I will never doubt that, Hermione."
Harry leaned closer to her, Hermione pulling her leg off of Harry's lap so that they could close the distance and kissed Harry. She cupped his cheek, his thumb automatically stroking her knuckles as he kissed her back. It was something about his lips; very soft, kissing her so chastely that Hermione thought that 'the Library Rendezvous' was almost an imagination.
His hands went up to her hair, his errant finger curling a strand of her hair as he massaged her lower lip. Harry was a fine kisser; Hermione thought hazily, her hand weaving through the soft messiness of his hair and scratched his scalp.
He groaned out loud, breaking their kiss.
"Sorry…" Harry closed his eyes, "It's very… stimulating."
Hermione blushed remembering his purring back then in the Library, "Er, I will be careful." She let him go.
She gave a yawn, rubbing her eyes as she slowly stood up. She felt a tug on her arm as Harry carried her again. This time she didn't complain as he walked upstairs, pressing her close to him a bit more securely than before as they reached her room.
"Change and come back." Hermione said as he placed her down. He looked at her uncertainly.
"Harry, I want you to. So, don't make me hex you." Hermione grinned, kissing his cheek as she walked inside, completely missing his blackened eyes.