December 11, 1997
Ron never regretted leaving his friends more than he did in that moment. He was freezing cold and starving, had been for almost a month. He had had no luck finding the other two-thirds of their trio and he was beginning to worry that he never would. It would serve him right, of course, he had been a complete prat to both Harry and Hermione. However, he hoped against hope that whatever higher power existed in their world that it was going to help him out eventually and throw him a clue.
He had searched every single place that they had camped in before with no luck. Ron really hadn't thought that they would use the same place twice but he had to be sure. He had combed the woods outside the World Cup with a fine-toothed comb, hoping that maybe they had returned there because they were missing him. Last week he had investigated Godric's Hollow because he was sure that Harry would want to go see his parents graves, it was something he had said he wanted to do more than once through the years.
Ron had almost been caught by Jugson while he was there, poking around in the ruins of Harry's old cottage. He'd managed to apparate away with only a nasty gash to his leg and considered himself lucky. Of course, Jugson had been injured as well so he hoped that it meant he would keep his mouth shut to his master about seeing Ron there in the ruins. The last thing he wanted broadcasted around the country was that the best mate of the Boy-Who-Lived was traveling alone.
Ron found himself in the Forest of Dean, searching every nook and cranny of the large forest for his two friends. He remembered Hermione telling them once that her parents had taken her there on holiday once. He knew that it was unlikely that he would find them but he had to keep searching. The pair of them had no idea what they were and what had happened to them. Had no idea what his mother and sister had in store for them. Even Ron wasn't sure now but since he was almost positive they were now bonded, it was likely that it wouldn't be pleasant.
Ron flopped down on a large stone by a small creek to rest and catch his breath. He had discovered that it was harder for him cover long distances when it was freezing cold out. He let his mind wander to the rest of his family, wonder if they were safe and how they were helping with the war, when a silvery wolverine appeared in front of him and spoke in his mother's voice.
"Apparate to the front step of Grimmauld Place for an Order meeting."
Ron instantly wondered just what his mother was up to. She had been staunchly against his joining the Order, the twins too for that matter. He also knew that Grimmauld Place was even more compromised than they thought. He heaved a deep sigh. There was no way that he could let his family show up to a meeting and have them not know that the Death Eaters could definitely get in to break it up.
Ron stood and pulled his wand. He focused his thoughts and turned on the spot, appearing on the front step of Grimmauld Place. He tried to open the door only to find it locked. He rapped on it quickly, not wanting to get caught in the back with a spell by a sneaky Death Eater. A voice on the other side called out when the door opened just a tiny crack. Ron was thrilled to see that it was Fred.
"How old were you when we charmed your teddy bear into a spider and you shat yourself?" Ron felt his face flush and he groaned. He should have known that their security questions would be embarrassing.
"I was four, you arsehole. What did you do that made Dad tan your arse so red it looked like an apple?" Fred grinned at him.
"Tried to get you to make an Unbreakable Vow," Fred confessed.
The door swung open and Ron was pulled in by the twins, enveloped by a double hug. He clung to them back, happy to see them. It had been a long four a half months and even though he knew that his time spent with Harry and Hermione was something that needed to be done for the sake of the war, he had missed his family.
"I missed you both," he told them, his face pressed against their shoulders. Neither twin said anything but he could feel that they felt the same way. When he finally pulled away, he put a serious look on his face.
"I need to go find someone in charge. They don't even realize how unsafe this place is now," he told them.
Fred and George led the way, taking him to the back of the house, towards the kitchen. There were already numerous people in attendance, it actually looked like he might be the last one to arrive. Remus looked quite haggard sitting by the fire, Tonks perched on his lap, running her fingers through his sandy-colored hair. McGonagall and Flitwick were conversing in front of the fire with Kingsley and Aberforth while his father was sitting at the table talking quietly with Bill and Charlie. Fleur was reading a book at the end of the table, on what he wasn't sure. Hestia Jones and Dedalus Diggle were laughing at something next to his mum, who was stirring a pot of something that smelled bloody divine. Ron wanted to hurry to her side and snatch a piece of that homemade bread but before he could focus on his stomach, he needed to make sure that everyone knew how much danger they were in. He cleared his throat and the room went silent.
"This house isn't safe. Harry, Hermione, and I came here after we fled the Burrow. After we broke into the Ministry, we apparated here but Travers had a hold of Hermione's sleeve. He knows the secret now and can get in. I'm sure he's told all of them by now," he said. Professor McGonagall nodded his way.
"We're aware. We found evidence of them being here and going through everything. That's why we've been waiting for you. Now that you're here, we can cast the Fidelius again. Filius has offered to do so since Charms are his specialty," she informed him. Ron let out a sigh of relief and sank into the chair nearest him.
"Thank Merlin. I had visions of you all getting attacked while eating a meal and getting caught off guard," he admitted sheepishly. His Transfiguration professor cracked the barest hint of a smile.
"Not the best of visions." Ron could only shake his head in the negative.
Nothing was discussed because it was only moments after that that Molly called them to their meal. The warm beef stew and crusty bread was amazing, especially for Ron since he had been starving for a month. Remus seemed to eat just as heartily as he did so he guessed that the man had been off with werewolves again. The last time he had admitted to being off with them, Hermione had guessed that he hadn't been eating well.
Ron ate four bowls and three thick slices of bread topped with butter and jam, followed by two helping of treacle tart. He felt terrible that he was eating so well when Harry and Hermione probably weren't but he knew that they wouldn't want him to starve if he had a chance to eat. He could only hope that they were faring better now that he wasn't there to hold them back with his injury; he vowed that if he found them, he was going to do better when it came to helping out not complaining as much.
Finally, the last plate was pushed away and Fleur and Tonks stood to clear the table. Ron watched as his mother glared at his sister-in-law, though he wasn't sure what that was about. Bill seemed to be aware of the tension, catching his wife's hand and pressing a kiss to her palm as she passed. He knew that his mum hadn't really approved of the French witch when she and Bill had first announced their plans to marry but he had thought that they had gotten over their issues when Bill had been mauled by Greyback. Maybe if he got a chance, he would pull his brother aside and see if he could figure out what the problem was. Tonks set the washing spell to the dishes and took her seat once more. Professor McGonagall cleared her throat and looked to Molly.
"You called this meeting, Molly. What are you needing to discuss?" she asked. His mum folded her hands on the table in front of her and gave the table a wide-eyed look.
"Harry and Hermione are missing. Ron, in a fit of pique, left them and returned home. I sent him back but they were gone. He has been out searching since but to no avail. I think Hermione has led him astray; we all know that she's too smart for her own good. We need to help Ronald find them so we can bring them back in and help them with their mission," she pleaded. Ron's jaw dropped at her words. She was trying to make it sound like Hermione was turning Harry dark or making him abandon the war effort. His friend would never do that and even if she tried, Harry would never let her. It seemed as though everyone else at the table was just as gobsmacked as he was.
"I can't see that in a million years, Molly," Professor McGonagall's said, her tone clipped. Hermione was her most favored cub and to imply such things as his mother was was beyond the pale.
"Hermione is the most responsible witch I know, Molly. She's probably the one keeping Harry alive," Remus implored. His father swung his gaze to Ron and held his eyes.
"What's your opinion, Ron? They're your best friends. Would Hermione lead Harry astray?" he questioned. Ron hated this. His mother would likely hate him forever if he told them that Hermione would never do that, that she was just trying to commit line theft and probable murder. However, if he sided with her and said those vile things about Hermione, it was likely that neither of his best friends would ever speak to him again. Not to mention, it would eat him up with guilt for the rest of his days. Therefore, he did the only thing he could and hoped that it didn't blow up in his face.
"Hermione would never try to turn Harry dark or make him run off. Even if she did, Harry would never let her. He knows this is his destiny and he's prepared to meet it," he said honestly. It was Madam Pomfrey that threw her hands in the air.
"You're all a bunch of dunderheads as Severus would have said. She couldn't make him do anything he didn't want to in a million years and you all know it," her chest was heaving in either indignation or anger, Ron wasn't sure. Everyone looked suitably confused but Ron knew exactly what Madam Pomfrey was talking about. It was George that asked the question that had them all stumped.
"Why do you say that?" he asked. Madam Pomfrey rolled her eyes.
"Harry is Hermione's alpha. No, I can't prove it but I think we've all known since the girl presented at her birthday in sixth year," she replied, her tone brokering no argument. Molly, however, narrowed her eyes and glared.
"There is absolutely no way of knowing that for sure. We aren't even sure that Harry is an alpha," she countered. Ron was surprised when Fleur was the one that spoke next, anger laced in her voice.
"What are you talking about? Alpha?" she questioned, a look of confusion painting her beautiful features. Bill was grimacing next to her and it was clear that the witch had no idea what the hierarchy system was. Ron cocked his head to the side; Bill was an alpha. How was he able to be with Fleur if she wasn't an omega? Professor McGonagall sighed and looked at the young French witch.
"Fleur, would it be safe for me to assume that you're at least a quarter veela?" she questioned. Fleur nodded her head emphatically.
"Actually, I'm almost 'alf," she confirmed. McGonagall sighed again and straightened her spine, clearly uncomfortable with the conversation.
"In the wizarding world, there's a hierarchy system, much like in werewolves. There are alphas, betas, and omegas. Alphas are at the top, usually leaders, people that others look up to. A person comes into their inheritance on their seventeenth birthday, which for an alpha, means they grow considerably in size and stature, as well as more powerful in magic. They can be paired with a beta for a short period of time but they will eventually languish and die if they don't mark and mate their omega," she lectured. Fleur's eyes darted to Bill and he nodded her way, confirming that he was indeed an alpha. Madam Pomfrey continued.
"The beta is next in the system and they are the most numerous. I myself am a beta, as are most everyone else in this room. We don't change in size at all but we do get a tiny magical boost on our coming of age birthday. We can have intercourse with all three classes but ultimately can only be with a beta long-term," she paused for a moment to make sure that the French veela was still following her explanation. When she was assured that she was, Pomfrey continued.
"The omega is the bottom rung, so to say. They are almost always tiny in size and remain that way even after their seventeenth birthday. However, they gain a magical boost that is not quite as big as the alphas but bigger than the betas. The other thing that they gain is their heat cycle; every three months for three days straight, the omega will be insatiable and only an alpha can bring her to orgasm. Any alpha will work but if the first heat not suppressed is gone through with their alpha, the bond between them is stronger. Omegas are submissive in nature where the alpha is dominant; if the alpha gives his omega an order, she has to follow it. As harsh as this sounds, it's countered by the alphas obsessive need to make sure that his omega is safe at all times. He would literally protect her with his life," the mediwitch concluded. Fleur's eyes were huge as she asked the question that she had been dying to ask from the start.
"If Bill needs an omega, 'ow is 'e able to be with me?" she asked. Ron leaned forward; he was just as curious. Madam Pomfrey gave her a soft smile.
"You're technically a magical creature dear, one that has mates and marks them as well. While you aren't considered submissive in the least, I believe that you satisfy that part of the bond that Bill needs. If you didn't, he would have known by now. Especially since you've shared marriage bonds," Fleur nodded slowly, understanding shining in her eyes. However, she turned to her husband and glared at him. He shrunk just a little in his seat but said nothing. Madam Pomfrey was quick to speak before they started to argue about him keeping the whole concept from her.
"When Miss Granger came to me in her sixth year, on her seventeenth birthday to be precise, Minerva and I called Molly to the school to help us explain the hierarchy system to her. It was a practice that we had honed quite effectively through the years, telling muggleborns of their status. We thought that Molly would help ease her into the knowledge that she was going to go through a heat cycle until she bore children. We explained the need of an alpha, specifically her alpha preferably, and Minerva asked her if there were any boys that she had a certain affinity for. The name Harry was on her lips before she could even think it. She was almost mindless from her need so I knew then who her mate was," Pomfrey said. She paused long enough to take a sip of water.
"Miss Granger wanted to wait for Mr. Potter to reach his majority so they could bond together on her first heat. Therefore, I gave her the suppression potion for the rest of the school year. She was due to go into heat around the end of July, right around Harry's birthday, so she agreed that she wouldn't need additional doses at the end of the year. From what I've heard from everyone present, Mr. Potter is most assuredly an alpha; his size alone gives it away. He would have bonded her then, meaning that he would never be able to be swayed to do something he didn't want to by Miss Granger in any way," she concluded once more. Ron watched his mum shake her head back and forth in denial, still not willing to accept that his two best friends had likely mated.
"I know for a fact that Harry was with my Ginny at that time and Hermione never went into heat. I doubt she stopped taking the suppression potion which means that they haven't mated; Hermione would have been opposed, she's always had such a strong personality," she almost whined. Suddenly, Remus turned dark eyes on his mother and Ron could see that he was barely containing his fury.
"I think you're lying out your arse, Molly. Since Bill is the only alpha in the room, please tell us what it was like to be around Fleur even before you realized she was your mate," he ordered. Bill's eyes flashed dangerously, clearly not liking how he was being spoken to. However, he answered because he had a feeling where this was going and Ron could see the revulsion on his oldest brother's face.
"There wasn't a time when I didn't know. Even though I could tell she wasn't an omega, I knew that she was mine. I could smell that she belonged to me and I could tell that I was just as much hers as well. I can't explain it any better than that because you wouldn't understand," Bill said, teeth gritted in anger. Remus nodded and looked back to Molly.
"James and Sirius were both alphas and James knew the second he hit puberty that Lily was his. He understood why but she was clueless because of her upbringing. He told me that there wasn't a day that went by that he didn't know that she was meant for him. Granted, I'm not an alpha, but in the words of one that fathered Harry and one that's in this room, it's clear they can tell who their omega is. You can't tell me that Harry didn't know on some level what Hermione meant to him. Sure, he didn't know she was his omega, but he had to know that he loved her or had some feelings for her," Remus said. Bill nodded his agreement.
"I would agree with that, even go so far as to say that it was much the same for her," Bill contributed. Remus turned to Molly once more.
"If that's the case, why was Harry with Ginny his sixth year? I know they shagged, he told me. He also came to me for advice at the wedding because Ginny kept showing up while he was asleep and shagging him. He should have known he wanted Hermione at that point, one hundred percent," the werewolf spat at her. Ron knew the werewolf's words were damning but by Merlin, they were true. His mum's tone turned acerbic.
"I don't know why Harry was with Ginny. He told me he loved her, maybe it's as simple as that. As for Hermione, who knows why the little twit didn't go into heat like planned. I was planning my son's wedding, not worrying about when she was going to want to go on a sex bender for three days straight, doing who knows what kind of sick and profane things. I've heard the stories before," Molly spit the words out at him. Ron was getting ready to open his mouth to tell her to not talk about his best friend like that, that she didn't deserve it, but McGonagall beat him to it.
"You will not speak of my daughter in such a way again, Molly, or you'll meet the business end of my wand. Being an omega is something to be prized, not scorned. You're simply jealous of her and you know it," McGonagall said. Ron didn't think he heard the animagus right. Daughter? Whattt? Before anyone could ask, the Transfiguration professor glared at the whole table.
"I blood adopted her at the beginning of the summer. She came to me with the plans to obliviate her parents and send them to Australia and I helped her. That meant she was an orphan and I have no living children. There is no retrieving her parents and I needed an heir, she's always been my favorite student by bounds; despite my half-blood status, my fortune is vast and my family magic is strong. I passed it all to her when I adopted her and I don't regret it for a second," she told them, her features daring them to say one word against their actions. However, not one person said a single word. Finally, it was Remus that broke the silence.
"Well, Minerva, you'll be interested to hear that I think Molly somehow fed Hermione another suppression potion and gave Harry a love or lust potion. Nothing else explains why he would be with Ginny. Nothing explains why Hermione would have kept quiet about not going into heat when she was supposed to either, which means she doesn't remember. Of course, this isn't provable yet but I almost guarantee it's the living truth," Ron gulped, hoping to Merlin that his mother kept his place in her supposed plan to herself. He didn't want them to think that he was in on and approved. His mother turned white, as did his father. Arthur turned to his wife and stared her straight in the eyes.
"Did you do that, Molly?" She shook her head emphatically.
"No, I would never potion children," she swore. Ron wanted to snort but didn't. He really didn't want to get in the middle of it. Instead, he glanced around the room and looked at everyone's faces.
Remus was clearly livid, as was McGonagall. Pomfrey looked pretty pissed too. Tonks looked angry but not near so as her husband. Arthur was a bright shade of red and the twins were shaking in anger. They loved Hermione, always had. Sure, she gave them a hard time but she also helped them with their formulas when they couldn't get them to work out. Charlie looked a little sick but had remained silent up until this point. Hestia and Dedalus looked almost indifferent, same as Aberforth. Bill was the one that looked truly frightening and Ron attributed it to his size and girth; as an alpha, he was furious for one of his own. Remus stood and slammed his palms down on the table, his eyes locked on his mums.
"I can't prove anything but I know you're guilty of potion abuse of both those kids. You can also be tried in front of the Wizengamot for attempted line theft and attempted murder. I suggest you desist because if you don't, I will enjoy ripping you limb from limb. Harry is my pup, has been since he was born, and now that Hermione is his omega, they're pack. Werewolves will die for their pack so don't think for a second that I won't rip your throat out," he threatened. Ron watched his mother pale even further as Aberforth stepped forward and held his hand out in peace.
"Enough of that, Lupin. We're all on the same side here. If everything you said is true, it also means that the girl went into heat at the beginning of November with nothing to stop it. If she's his mate, he's marked her. If she's marked, he can't father children with another witch and she can't sleep with another wizard without permission. Neither one of them can be potioned so this whole thing is moot. Let's focus on the war and finishing it. Weasley, what is Potter's mission?"
With that, the Order swept it under the rug, though he doubted that McGonagall or Remus would let it go for long. He did know that there was no way in Merlin's rocky hell that they were going to help his mum track the pair down now. Now he just had to tell them a thousand more times that he wasn't going to tell them what Harry's mission was.
Thank Merlin. Of course, this mean the was on his own finding them once again.
-O-
Harry snuggled up to Hermione on the couch and read the book she was reading over her shoulder. He knew she hated it but he couldn't help it. It was sweet and domestic and he wanted to do it, mostly so he would know if he wanted to do it again.
He didn't. She read the most dreadfully boring things.
It had been blizzarding for four days now and they had been stuck only fifteen miles from Ottery St. Catchpole the whole time. They desperately needed to move but when they had settled there, they hadn't realized the weather forecast. Never had they anticipated being there longer than a day, which had been the original plan. Mostly, they just wanted to check on the family and make sure that everyone was as alright as they could through the wards. They knew that they were being watched heavily so they couldn't get too close but there was an orchard a few miles away that made for a good look out.
However, they hadn't stepped foot out of the tent since they had set the wards because the blizzard had hit with a vengeance only minutes after Harry had set his blood ward. They had been cooped up for four days straight and while the sex and time spent together had been thrilling, Harry was starting to go stir crazy and they were running low on food again. Not to mention, they had been there for too long but there was no way that they could pack up and leave with the blowing snow and wind.
Therefore, he tried to relax and tell himself that if he couldn't get out in it, the Death Eaters and snatchers couldn't get out in it either. He wasn't sure if that was the actual truth but he was going to go with it. Hence, why he was lying lengthwise on the couch with Hermione leaned against him, her back to his chest, his chin resting on her shoulder so he could read what she was reading. She huffed just a little so he let his head fall back and stare at the ceiling.
Sitting around doing nothing was making him feel even more worthless and ineffective; he needed to go somewhere and do something, even if it didn't have anything to do with horcruxes since they hadn't figured out any more information about them. Hermione had done nothing but research since the disaster at Wool's Orphanage; it had gotten her nowhere. She was still confident that there was one at Hogwarts but neither one of them knew how they were going to get inside with Snape and the Carrows running the place, let alone find it once there. Out of nowhere, an idea hit him.
"Kitten, I think we should go to Godric's Hollow," he told her. She turned slightly to try to look up at him. He kissed her temple but waited for her words.
"I'm not sure that's a good idea, Harry. He's probably got people there waiting for you," she told him. He chuckled softly at the obvious worry in her voice.
"You sound a little like McGonagall there. I'm not saying we should go in blind. Maybe do a little recon. We can transfigure ourselves or use polyjuice," he said. She hummed her agreement and seemed to be considering it. He really wanted to go so he hoped that she was.
"I suppose we can go as long as we don't look like ourselves. Bathilda Bagshot lives there to this day and she was close to the Dumbledore family. Maybe he left the Sword with her," she said. His eyes widened.
"You really think?" Hermione shrugged her shoulders daintily.
"I'm not saying yes or no, I'm just saying it's a possibility. We shouldn't pass it up. Besides, you can see your parents graves like you've always wanted," she promised him. He twisted his head so he could kiss her mouth this time. It was sweet like always but he kept it gentle. When he pulled away, she mewled in protest. His words were law when he spoke.
"We're going to do recon before we step foot in town; I don't trust anything anymore," he informed her. She gave him an understanding nod and closed her book before standing.
"I'm tired; going to head for bed now. I hope you'll join me." Her words weren't coy but he didn't think she meant them to be.
Harry watched her walk to the bed and strip as she went, no longer embarrassed about her nudity. There was still an occasional blush if he did something to her that wasn't normal but they were few and far between. He watched her discard her shirt and bra, throwing them aside. Her shorts and knickers came next, leaving her in nothing as she sat on the edge of their bed. She threw him a saucy look over her shoulder before she climbed under the duvet and distinguished the lights.
They had played this game just three nights before and Harry had stayed strong for nearly a half hour before bounding over to the bed to be with her, only to find her asleep. It had been a horrible night, unable to sleep and every tick of the clock just made him want to throw it against the wall. This time, he waited only until her head rested on the pillow before he stood and started to undress as he walked her way. He slid in behind her and wrapped himself around her like devil snare, pulling her close to him. She started to purr at his touch and even though he wanted to it to be soft and sweet, it was extremely difficult for it to remain so. He loved to fuck her mercilessly into the mattress but he also liked to be soft and sweet with her as well, remind her of just how much he loved her.
His hand reached up and cupped her bare breast, his fingers nimbly pinching at her nipple while he pressed kiss after kiss to her neck. She pressed back against him, something he usually didn't allow, but tonight was going to be different. He wanted her to be allowed some modicum of control if she liked, even if it was extremely difficult for him to hand it over to her. Harry's lips ghosted over the gland in her neck that always enlarged when she was aroused and she mewled in need when all he did was kiss it softly.
"I'm going to let you be in control tonight, 'Mi," he told her. She froze against him and he worried that he had said the wrong thing. He just waited, almost a whole minute, before she finally spoke.
"I didn't think you liked that. Won't you hate it? I don't want you to hate it with me," she said, clearly fearful that he wouldn't like sex with her. Harry pulled her chin so she was forced to look at him.
"I could never hate being with you, kitten. You get to do what you want tonight," he promised her.
Hermione rolled to face him and leaned in to kiss him, her tongue tentatively reaching into his mouth to taste him. She explored every crevice before tangling her tongue with his; he submitted easily. She groaned into his mouth, his submission exciting her and Harry couldn't help but be turned on himself. He felt her take his hands and put them on her breasts, showing his fingers to pinch her nipples like he always did. What surprised him was that she had him pinch her a little harder than he usually did, causing her to groan into his mouth. She broke the kiss and her words were desperate.
"Put them in your mouth, Harry," she told him.
Harry was quick to comply, continuing to pinch the left one like she had shown him while he placed the right one in his mouth. He suckled at it roughly, tugging it with his teeth at times, and she threaded one hand in his hair while the other one snaked downward to touch her clit. Harry wanted to growl at her but knew that he couldn't. She was in control and for the first time, he realized how hard it must be for her to obey him all the time. However, this didn't stop him from giving her pebbled flesh a nip, though instead of a warning, it served to make her gasp in pleasure.
Hermione pulled his head from her breast and he smiled proudly at the dark mark that he had left behind. Not being in control made him feel more possessive and he had left a mark, probably something she would complain about later to him. He just smiled at the thought; she really was adorable when she chastised him.
He was surprised when she rolled him to his back and straddled his knees, swallowing his cock in a gulp. Harry hissed in surprise and wound his hands in her hair, loving how it felt when she worked her tongue over the sensitive ridge under the head and lightly scratched his balls with her nails. She pulled off with a loud pop but her tongue continued to bathe him, sliding down to taste his bollocks. She gently drew them into her mouth and rolled them around; Harry could barely keep his hips on the bed.
After only a minute, she ended this sweet torture and he hoped and prayed that she would return to letting his cock slide down her throat; however, that wasn't the case. She gave him a look that told him she wasn't the most sure of herself and he cursed himself for it. He hadn't let her take control at all and now she had no idea what to do. Just as he was about to speak, to reassure her that anything she did would be perfect, she spoke.
"I want to try something but if you hate it, please tell me. I'll stop right away," she told him. He reached up brushed her hair from her face and nodded.
"I swear, kitten, but I'm positive I'm going to love it. I don't think there's a single thing you could do to me that I wouldn't like," he reassured her. Hermione gave him a nod.
Hermione switched positions so rather than facing him while straddling his knees, she was facing his feet and straddling his cock. He was a little surprised at her choice of positions but said nothing. She gingerly lowered herself down on his cock and hissed just a tiny bit at the intrusion. Her cunt gripped him tightly and Harry grabbed hold of her hips to help ease her down.
Once she was fully seated, she cast a look over her shoulder at him, making sure that all was well. Harry sent her look that he hoped told her that he just needed her to move, to put him out of his misery. Even though he wasn't in control, she felt fucking amazing. Her hips began to rock back and forth rather than up and down, probably grinding her clit against something, maybe her fingers. She started to test out rhythms, bouncing just a little on his prick, seeing how it felt when she was in control.
Since her legs weren't very long, she couldn't get high enough off his cock to get a full stroke but what she managed still made Harry have to recite quidditch rules in his head. Her head was thrown back, her hair dangling down to brush her hips and it took all his restraint to not give it a hard tug. He felt her nudge his knees apart and he did his best to comply, though it was hard with the position they were in. Hermione bent forward slightly and he felt her slicked up finger press against his arse, sending him into overdrive.
Harry couldn't hold back anymore, not with her finger inside him, stroking him intimately. She had only done this to him once before when she had sucked him off so to say that he was surprised was an understatement. There was no way that he was going to last long enough for her to find her own pleasure with her doing that to him.
Harry gripped her hips roughly, bending his knees so he could brace his heels on the bed. He began driving into her, rough and deep, while she plunged her digit in and out, hitting him in just the right spot. From his position, he couldn't reach her nub so he tilted her hips just so to make sure that they hit the spongy spot inside. After three hard thrusts, her most intimate muscles were clenching on his cock and he was spurting his seed.
His orgasm seemed to last forever but he didn't mind. It felt just as good as those when he was in charge and he decided that he would let Hermione have the choice if she liked to be submissive to him or not. He helped lift her off him, gently laying her next to him so he could wandlessly clean them up and cover them with a duvet. Rather than wrap around her like he usually did, he pulled her against him and let her lay her head on his chest, pressing her breasts into his side. His hand came up and trailed through her curls, softly brushing them from her face.
"Did you like that, kitten?" he asked her. She nodded sleepily.
"Yes, but I like it better when you're in charge. I worry too much that I'm going to mess it up," he chuckled softly at her.
"I promise you, you aren't going to mess it up. I didn't get angry this time, did I?" She turned her head further into his chest to hide her glowing cheeks.
"No, but I wasn't sure when I did it if it would make you angry," she confessed. Harry pressed a kiss to the top of her head before reaching out and tipping her chin up to make her look at him.
"I like it, 'Mi. I was wondering if it was something you wanted me to try on you. We really hadn't talked about it," he said. She gave her shoulders a delicate shrug.
"I know that Ginny and all the other girls at school said I was a prude. I'm not though, I just wanted my interactions to be with the right person. I've read books on sex that most people wouldn't consider. I know that anal sex is supposed to be quite pleasurable if done right. I know that mixing a little pain with pleasure can make it even better for both parties. I'm not against trying new things, I won't know if I like them if we don't try," she explained. Harry couldn't believe that she was as open about it as she was. Then he realized with a wave of shame that he owed her an apology as well.
"I'm sorry, kitten. I never called you a prude, not even in my mind, but I did assume that sex didn't interest you. Maybe that was why I turned to Ginny when I knew how I felt for you," Hermione's eyes watered but he wasn't sure if they were happy or sad tears. She laid her head back down and sighed.
"I forgive you, Harry. You didn't know," she told him. He smoothed her curls again.
"Why are you crying?" She just shook her head but finally gave in when he gave her strands a soft pull.
"I'm not really crying, just more upset that you turned to Ginny because of sex. Makes me feel like me without the sex wasn't worth your time. I know it isn't true now but when you say it like that, that's how it makes me feel," she said.
Harry hugged her tightly, not sure what he could say to that, knowing that he really didn't have a good explanation as to why he had turned to Ginny when he had told Hermione he had loved her for years. He supposed that it really did make it look like it was for the sex, something that he had just confessed that he had never thought of Hermione as wanting. He felt no tears on his chest and her body was languid against his so he didn't think she was angry.
"I'm not angry at you, Harry. I'm not going to throw it in your face. It's in the past and right now, we're fighting for our future. Let's just go to sleep," she muttered sleepily.
Harry pressed his lips to her forehead, hoping that he could someday sort out just why Ginny had ever entered the equation. Knowing he had hurt Hermione wasn't a feeling he liked, even if he had done so without knowledge. However, he shouldn't have just assumed that she wasn't interested in sex because he thought she didn't like him. He had never been mean or malicious about it but he had definitely been there with the rest of their friends.
Harry vowed to himself, Hermione asleep in his arms, he was going to do everything in his power to make sure that he never hurt her like that again.