Chapter 3
Harry POV
The blistering rage I felt as I watched Malfoy kiss Hermione yesterday was a horrifying wake-up call. I had wanted to kill him… Avada him right on the spot. And then she had looked at me all wide-eyed and innocent like she was just as shocked by his actions. Why was she shocked? They were giggling and flirting for the better part of an hour. Even getting kicked out by Madam Pince herself.
I couldn’t look away from them. The laughing and winking, disgusting. Malfoy and I are friends but if he ever lays a hand on her… I shudder. Again, this rage seems unhealthy. Hermione can do what she wants. She can date who she wants. It’s no big deal. All is swell.
Leaving class, I head toward the common room with my mind elsewhere. It’s here on the stairs where I find Hermione talking to Draco. I groan, stuck on the moving staircase and forced to watch when Malfoy sees me and nods in recognition before turning back to Hermione. Her face is pinched and seemingly annoyed. He tucks a hair behind her ear and leans down to whisper something, his eyes finding mine as his lips ghost over the shell of her ear. A molten rage burns through me and I look away not wanting to see anything more.
Practically sprinting up to my room, I flop down on the bed. I guess she’s with Malfoy now. Why didn’t she tell me? I honestly can’t believe she would like him like that. I know he’s better now, but the years of bullying, the hate? How do you get over something like that? He doesn’t deserve her. She’s too good. Too kind. She’s beautiful inside and out. I growl into my pillow. I know she only sees me as a friend, but I thought... I don’t know, that maybe there was something else there? Fuck. I need to get away. Find a distraction or something.
…...
I get to breakfast early and of course, Ginny is the only Gryffindor at the table. Just my luck. I prepare myself for the sneer, the cold shoulder, and sidle up to her and sit down on the bench across from her.
“Ginny,” I say in greeting and she chokes on her toast, coughing, and reaching for a glass of water. When her coughing ceases I cock a brow.
“Alright?”
She nods. “Hi, Harry. How are you? Why are you here so early?”
I sigh. At least she’s treating me like a person. “I’m okay. And I don’t know. Just up early I guess.” I shrug.
She eyes me curiously. “Yeah, I doubt that. You never come down here this early and I would know. I specifically come here to avoid you. So what is it?” Merlin. She’s honest.
“Well… You don’t have to do that Gin. I’m not going to bite you.” I say rolling my eyes. “Anyway, I don’t think I should talk to you about this. Being as you’d probably bite me.”
To my surprise, she laughs. “True.”
I can’t help but stare. She hasn’t talked to me like this in months. Usually ignoring me or sneering.
“You just laughed at me,” I say dumbly.
She sighs. “Look, Harry. I- I’m sorry for how I’ve been acting. I was hurt and didn’t understand. Still. There’s no excuse. I’ve been treating you like shit and you don’t deserve that.”
I gape at her as my brain stalls out. “So you’re not mad anymore?”
She nods, taking a bite of her food. “It’s exhausting. And to be honest. I understand. We- Whatever we had is gone. I think I just held on to the idea of us. I needed to let you go.” She says smiling softly at me. I blink at her, unable to speak.
“I’m kind of into someone else actually. So that helped with the clarity.” She shrugs. I expect the burn of rage. The jealousy. The stab of pain, but there is none so I grin.
“Wow. Well.. I’m happy for you Ginny. Truly. I am sorry for hurting you. Do you think we can be friends again? Doesn’t have to be now… but in the future?” I ask and she smiles. A genuine, purely Ginerva smile. One I haven’t seen in months.
“I’d like that.”
We soon fall into a conversation about Quidditch and she about bites my head off when I say her team isn’t as good this year. The hall fills up slowly. Ginny distracted me from my original goal of avoiding Hermione at all costs. I curse myself as I see Hermione stroll in out of the corner of my eye. Shit. I didn’t want her to see me. Malfoy saunters up behind her, twisting her around suddenly before handing her a book. I can’t take my eyes off them as she squeals, jumping up to hug him with a bright smile on her face. I glare at them. A hot fury shooting through me. It takes every ounce of self control I have left not to get up and rip her away from him. I don’t know what’s gotten into me. Ginny clears her throat and glances over her shoulder to see what I’m looking at, then she turns back to me with an eye roll.
“You know Harry. You could just talk to her.”
I snap my eyes to her. “I don’t know what you mean.”
She looks me over curiously. “Honestly. I think you two are the only ones that don’t see it.”
I furrow my brow. What is she talking about? “I have to go Gin. I’m glad we talked. See you later?” I ask, smiling, and squeezing her hand.
She sighs but squeezes my hand in return. “See you, Harry.”
......
I successfully avoided Hermione for the rest of the day. That is until I walked through the portrait after visiting Hagrid. Her eyes trail after me as I enter the common room and I run a hand through my hair anxiously. I know I can’t avoid her forever, so I fake it and smile at her, nodding in hello. I’ve kept things short and sweet all day. Not wanting to alarm her like she did me. I know I’m a hypocrite but every time I look at her, I see Malfoy’s smirking face kissing her in the hall, hugging her at breakfast, whispering in her ear, so I race up the stairs hoping to avoid any conversation.
Slytherin’s party is tonight and I need to find something to wear. I push through the door to my private room, making a beeline for the closet. I huff, searching through my clothes, coming up with nothing as I hear a soft knock on the door. Shit. I close my eyes, taking a deep breath.
“Come in!” I yell. Continuing my search for something acceptable. Can you wear red in the dungeons? I don’t know… that feels illegal.
“Harry?” Hermione says quietly.
“In here!”
Fuck. Why am I so nervous ? I find a loose satin silk emerald green button-down. Perfect. Looking around for pants, I spot my favorite black trousers I wore yesterday, and shrugging, I grab them off the floor and step out of my shoes, tugging off my khakis. Hermione pokes her head in and I watch as her eyes immediately shoot down to my junk. A thrill shoots up my spine and I smirk at her.
“My eyes are up here Hermione.” I cock a brow at her, tugging on a pant leg. She clears her throat, eyes jumping to my face. Her cheeks flush bright red.
She rolls her eyes. “Honestly Harry. Do you invite everyone in when you’re half-naked?”
I chuckle. “No just you,” I say buttoning my trousers. I shouldn’t be flirting with her, but she makes it so easy.
“Well, a little warning would be nice.”
“Why? Nothing you haven’t seen before.” I say shrugging. It’s the truth. She saw me in nothing but my boxers many times on the run.
“Unless…” I throw my shirt over my head and off to the side, sauntering over to her. She backs away, eyeing my naked chest and I smirk, trapping her in as her back hits the door frame. Fuck, I’m supposed to be avoiding her not teasing her. But I really can’t help it when she looks at me like that. I stroke her cheek, leaning closer, unable to control myself. I hum, searching her eyes.
“Unless something’s changed, Hermione. Does this bother you?” I ask, our faces only inches apart. She licks her lips and her eyes jerk to my mouth. I suppress a groan at the hunger I see in her eyes. Why does she do this to me?
“Or is it because your boyfriend would disapprove?” I probe looking into her warm depths.
“What? Boyfriend?” She asks furrowing her brow and I pull away, the waistband of my trousers tightening uncomfortably at her close proximity. I suck in a deep breath. Think about grandmas, dirty, smelly locker rooms, Ron. I snort at the thought. My problem down south fixing itself almost immediately.
“What’re you talking about Harry?”
I shrug, buttoning my shirt, feigning indifference. Even though I’m dying to know what she has to say.
“You know... I saw you and Malfoy the other day.”
She rolls her eyes. “Don’t be daft Harry. I would never date Malfoy. Even if he has changed he’s still a prick.” She scoffs. I eye her curiously trying to sus out the lie. Her eyes are honest. She’s telling the truth. Weird. Then why did he kiss her in the library? And why are they suddenly so.. Close?
“So the whole kissing scene outside the library was just.. What? for funsies? To piss me off?” I say angrily. Damnit. I take a deep breath. I’m fine. Not angry. No jealousy. It's just Hermione.
Sighing, she steps up to me and unbuttons the top three buttons of my shirt, straightening it. I watch her face as she fixes me.
“Harry, Malfoy is our friend. He was just trying to rile me up. You know how he is. His end goal is always to gain something.” She says, her eyes finding mine. “It meant nothing.”
I nod and let out a relieved breath. I hadn’t realized how bothered I was. My whole body was tense as I waited for her to respond. Fuck, I need to get a handle on myself. I smile and grasp her hand that is resting on my chest. I kiss her knuckles and pull away, looking around for my shoes. Bloody hell I need to clean up in here.
I finally find my shoes and tug them on. I feel her eyes on me as she leans against the door frame. I pretend not to notice. I do wish I knew what she was thinking. Maybe she sees right through me. I wouldn’t put it past her. She knows me too well.
“You look good in green Harry. Maybe you should’ve been in Slytherin.”
I chuckle. “Yeah maybe. But I’d rather suffer in red than never have met you.” I wink, walking past her to the bedroom. She follows, watching as I mess with my hair. I huff. So fucking difficult.
“Are you just going to ogle me or are you going to change? I mean.. I’m not complaining but don’t you have a whole hair routine now?” I glance at her through the mirror and her eyes grow wide.
“Shit!” She curses as she sprints out the door. I chuckle, feeling satisfied that she was thoroughly distracted checking me out.
I try a few smoothing spells Hermione showed me last week. My hair only cooperating slightly. I shrug, good enough. At least I have that just rolled-out-of-bed look. Some people find that hot. Whatever. I clean my glasses and spray on some cologne before throwing on my deathly hallows gold chain necklace Hermione got me for my birthday.
Damn. I just realized I forgot to shave earlier. I meant to before Hermione distracted me. My stubble is giving me a 5 o’clock shadow. I debate with myself for a minute on whether or not I should shave. Eh, no one cares. I’ll embrace the rugged look tonight.
I plop onto my bed and then check the time on my watch. The party starts in 45 minutes. I’ll just lay here for a few minutes. Rest my eyes while I wait for Hermione.
“Harry!”
I shoot up from the bed and grab my wand. My heart is racing as I look around ready for an attack, panic seizing my mind. I turn to find Hermione walking slowly over to me, hands up, eyes soft and gentle.
“Harry. Love. You’re safe. We’re in Hogwarts. About to go to a party. It’s okay.”
Fuck. My brain slowly processes her words. I lower my wand and shake my head.
“Sorry,” I say, my voice a little hoarse. She sighs, grabbing my hand.
“It’s okay. I get them too.”
I smile weakly at her. “Ready to go?”
She nods and pulls me toward the door. I finally realize what she’s wearing; a black skintight mini dress. The square neckline showing off her ample cleavage as the fabric clings to her luscious curves. Oh fucking hell. My mouth suddenly goes dry.
“Merlin Hermione.”
She stops, “What? Is something wrong?”
“No, you just look bloody edible. Sorry. Kinda shocked me.”
Fuck, did I say that out loud? My head is foggy, still half asleep. She blushes scarlet. Oh shit. I did say that out loud. Clearing my throat, I rub the back of my neck.
“Sorry, I’m still half asleep. I didn’t really mean to say that.” I laugh nervously. “But anyway you look nice. That’s what I was trying to say.”
She giggles. “You look bloody edible too, Harry.”
I groan, feeling my cheeks heat. “Let’s go.”
Hermione POV
We walk into their common room through a stone wall. Immediately accosted with the smell of evergreen and leather. The music bumps through the wide space as people dance and jump around. Everything is marble, black, and expensive. All so very.. Slytherin.
The black lake shines through the windows toward the back and a large fireplace is between them with a massive snake carved above the mantle. I have to admit, it’s decadent. A few sconces are lit around the room, giving the place a dim glow. Harry and Ron did not do this place justice. It’s absolutely stunning. Harry and I make it a solid three feet into the room when Theo runs up to us grinning wildly.
“Yes! You’re here! Shots! Now!” He hands us two cups with a questionably green liquid within. I eye it cautiously. If I’ve learned anything, it’s to not trust Theodore Nott’s alcoholic beverages. At least not in large doses.
Harry and I shrug before throwing back the shots. My body tingles as the fire spreads through my veins. I shiver, grimacing at the sour taste. Better than firewhiskey I’ll admit.
Theo claps excitedly. “You guys took forever! Like, I get you’re all cute and coupley but c'mon!” He rolls his eyes and then runs away. I huff as I watch him retreat. This is getting ridiculous. Are me and Harry that bad? For real? I peer up to his face, worried about what I’ll find. His brow is furrowed and he’s watching Theo run back to Draco.
“Did he just call us a couple?” He asks, glancing down at me and I nod.
“I’ve been asked so many times this year, I’ve lost count.” I shrug. Not willing to give up my friendship with Harry because people assume things about us.
“Oh! That reminds me. Ginny stopped me the other day. I forgot to tell you… We should talk about it later though. Too many people around for that conversation.”
“Yeah. I mean..” He sighs. “I gave up on that a while ago. I love her and I’ll always care for her but.. Yeah. I just hope we can be friends.”
No matter what he says, I know it hurts him. He obviously still loves her. I can’t imagine someone I love so dearly treating me the way she treats him. I grab his hand and squeeze. Knowing no words can comfort him right now.
“Let’s forget about that for the night and have some fun. Yeah?” I say, smiling at him.
He smiles back, “Let's get blasted tonight, Hermione.”
……
A few hours later, my eyes are blurry, my skin is heated, and sweat is trickling down my spine. Theo’s jungle juice hit me hard. My cheeks ache from smiling so much. I sway my hips to the music, dancing with a few Ravenclaw girls the year below me. They are just as wasted as I am. I don’t even remember their names. One of the girls abruptly grabs my face, pulling me in for a snog. I squeal, shocked by her boldness as she slips her tongue into my mouth, pulling me closer. I decide to hell with it and kiss her back.
Breaking the kiss after a minute, she laughs. “That was hot!” She shouts over the music.
I throw my head back and laugh. It was oddly freeing to kiss her like that. Just for fun. I giggle and continue swaying my hips when I feel someone’s large hands wrap around my waist, pulling me flush against them. I gasp in surprise before leaning into them and swaying to the music. Grinding my hips against the hard plains of the intruder. I know I’m drunk when I don’t even care who it is.
The person leans down close to my ear. “Flashcards Hermione.” He says huskily and I groan. Draco chuckles, walking away To the other side of the room. That prick. He’s been hounding me for days about my flashcards. Trying to bribe me into giving them to him. Even bringing me an ancient tome of elf lore. I practically tackled him when he handed it to me. Does he think dancing will get him anything? I roll my eyes, leaving the dance floor to find a drink or maybe a snack. Spotting the food table, I make a beeline for it. My stomach rumbles as the familiar scent of food hits my nostrils. I dive in, devouring a few tiny sandwiches and moaning at the taste. Slytherins sure know how to throw a party. I sway to the music while munching on some pretzels and watch the crowd of people. My skin is damp and heated from all the dancing. Ugh, I need some air.
I poke my head out the exit, checking that the coast is clear, and step out into the hallway. Sighing as the cold air cools my skin, I lean back against the stone wall and close my eyes.
After a minute or two, I hear someone approach from my left and stop in front of me. Praying it’s not a teacher, I crack my lids open to find Harry eyeing me from head to toe. His hair is disheveled and his shirt is open with only a few buttons holding it together. He licks his lips and tucks a hand into his pocket. Fuck he looks sexy like that. The dim light from his wand highlighting his features. The desire to thread my fingers through his hair and feel the slight stubble on his jaw hits me so hard I bite the inside of my cheek to distract myself.
“Ready to leave?” He asks, voice low and husky. My core clenches at his deep timbre. I do my best to avoid looking at his muscled chest and arms. Cursing Bill and Charlie for making him so fit with their stupid lifting regimen. I nod, reaching out to grab his hand. We walk back to Gryffindor Tower in silence. Slowly sobering up as the food absorbs the alcohol in my system. I still feel light and warm and my limbs are heavy, but my thoughts are clear.
He mutters the password, pulling me in behind him, and leading me up the stairs to his room. I shrug, too tired to argue about sleeping arrangements. When we pass the threshold, he pulls his hand from mine, turning to shut the door and lock it. I take a few steps toward the bed, about to ask which side he prefers when he suddenly twists me around. I yelp as he pulls me into him, resting my hand on his chest as the momentum pulls me forward.
“You have no idea what you do to me, Hermione.” He growls. His eyes dark as he stares into mine. “All fucking night.” His hands move to my waist, tugging me flush against him. Something hard digs into my stomach.
“Harry..” I whisper a little breathless and he looks at me hungrily.
“First you wear that bloody dress, then you dance so…” He groans, closing his eyes. “Then you kiss that girl so freely, so openly. I- fuck. Then Malfoy.” He growls. “Do you even realize how fucking hard it is to just sit by watching you?” He walks me backward, eyes never leaving mine. “To want to touch you so badly even though I know you don’t feel the same.”
I whimper, my brain stalling out at his words. He stops suddenly. Staring at me in the middle of his room. His breathing heavy, pupils blown wide.
“I can’t fight it, Hermione. I fucking can’t anymore.” He croaks and my hearts flutters in my chest.
I slowly wrap my arms around his neck, tugging him closer. His green eyes search mine.
“Then don’t,” I whisper and he shuts his eyes with a groan. The sound ripples through me as wetness seeps between my thighs. I’ve never been so turned on by a sound before. Harry slowly closes the distance between us, brushing his lips against mine gently. Like he’s afraid I’ll break or run away.
“Harry please.” I breathe, forcing our bodies closer together.
He growls, “fuck it,” before pressing our lips together roughly and moaning into my mouth. I slip my tongue past his lips deepening the kiss then twist my fingers in his hair as a desperate kind of sound leaves my throat. My body is alight with a molten hot desire. An ache so prominent I can hardly keep my feet under me. He grips my hips and hoists me up so that I wrap my legs around his waist, tangling my fingers in his hair, and kissing him with a renewed fervor. He walks us closer to the bed before setting me down on the mattress and pulling away. I whine at the loss and he just smirks, unbuttoning his shirt and looking down at me. I sit up on my elbows, watching him undress hungrily. He throws his shirt to the side and quickly shucks off his trousers. I eagerly trail my eyes down his toned body. So fucking sexy , I think, wishing he’d taken his boxers off.
He crawls over me while slowly kissing his way up my body. I throw my head back at the sensations flowing through me. His lips brushing lightly across my skin as he leaves a trail of kisses along my body. A whimper escapes my lips as he brushes a kiss on my breast over the fabric of my dress and I shiver as he breathes into my neck, sucking and nipping at my skin. He pulls my ear between his teeth and I moan loudly. Not caring if anyone hears me. He smirks against my neck and leans down to swirl his tongue over my nipple. I gasp as heat shoots to my core. His tongue flicking and swirling around the peaked flesh. Fuck I need more.
Harry lifts his head from my breast like he knows exactly what I’m thinking, eyes hooded and sparkling. Straddling my thigh, his knee pushing against my apex just right, I moan again. Fuck, how does he know how to do that? He leans in, kissing me once more, slowly, like he wants to savor every second.
I roll my hips, seeking friction for the fire in my veins and he moans into my mouth. A delicious sound. A sound I’ll think about for the rest of my life. His large hand reaches down to caress my breasts and he rolls his thumb over the peaked flesh.
“Please,” I gasp out breathlessly and he hums, pinching my nipple. The pain and pleasure of it overwhelm me.
“What do you want Hermione?”
I huff, rolling my eyes and he tuts at my reaction.
“Tell me what you want.” He lowers his head sucking on the sensitive skin between my neck and collarbone. Forgetting my irritation quickly, I moan at the feeling. He chuckles into my neck. Nipping and sucking as his fingers trail down my body to my core. He tugs my dress up over my hips before sitting back on his haunches. His eyes darken as he takes in my bare cunt. The dress was too tight to wear knickers. He groans, licking his lips.
“Fuck. So wet for me Hermione.” He purrs. His deft fingers slowly exploring my folds.
My hips move of their own accord and I gasp when he plunges a finger into my entrance. My core tightens around him, begging him to move. He pumps in slowly, curling them, teasing me. I groan, frustrated at his torturous teasing.
“Fuck Harry, please!”
He chuckles. “Not until you tell me what you want.” He says, voice husky and horase. I growl, watching his face as his eyes devour my soaking folds. He looks like he’s in heaven. Like he could do this to me for days without boredom. I whimper as he takes his free hand to my clit and circles it achingly slow.
“Fuck.” I breathe as my body pulses and throbs in time with his movements. I need more.
He hums in approval before stopping suddenly. I whine at the loss, unable to take it anymore.
“I want you to make me come Harry!” I say exasperated. My body throbbing with need. He lets out a breathy growl then smirks at me.
“Good girl Hermione.” He whispers and I moan as heat rushes through my body. My already soaking cunt flooding with wetness. Well, now he officially knows I do like that.
He shifts so he now lay between my thighs, hovering over my core, eyes on my face. His breath sends shivers down my spine, goose flesh erupting over my body. My legs tremble as I wait for him to kiss me there. I usually have a hard time finishing like this but something tells me it won’t be a problem tonight.
He wraps his arms under my legs and grips my thighs to hold me still. My breathing is labored and I can’t take my eyes off of him. The sight of Harry Potter between my legs almost sends me over the edge. That’s how wound up I am. Trembling with anticipation, he finally lowers his mouth and slowly licks through my folds.
“Yes, Harry.” I moan as my eyes roll back into my head. He flicks his tongue over my bundle and slides his fingers back inside me. The throbbing in my core increases. My body tingling with every flick of his tongue. I’m a whimpering, begging mess.
He circles my bud with his hot tongue, increasing pressure and speed. My legs begin to shake at the intensity. The sounds I’m making are obscene but I don’t care. All I can think about is his mouth. I glance down at him once more to watch. He’s completely absorbed with what he’s doing to me. Sucking my nub as he flicks his tongue, curling his fingers just right.
“Oh, Harry. Don’t stop..” I moan breathlessly watching with intense interest as he expertly rolls his tongue and pumps his fingers. I can hardly take it anymore.
“Please!” I beg, needing release from the pressure. My walls pulse, pleasure shooting through me. Harry’s eyes flick up to my face and he hums around me. The sensation pushes me over the edge and I gasp, my body going taut as I shatter into pieces.
“Fuck! Harry!” I shout as my toes curl, my eyes rolling back into my head in pleasure. His marvelous tongue circling me through my orgasm. My limbs go limp as I’m bathed in euphoria. He licks through my folds once more before sitting up and pulling his fingers out of me.
“You fall apart so gloriously on my tongue Hermione.” He purrs and my body tingles at his words. His eyes are hungry as he studies my face and slips his fingers into his mouth. My clit throbs as I watch him suck his fingers dry.
“Merlin.” I breathe slouching back into the bed. That was probably the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.
I sigh happily, grinning at him with hooded eyes. He pulls my dress down then plops down next to me on the bed. He’s grinning mischievously at me as he rests his head on my chest, humming happily to himself. I don’t even care that he’s a smug asshole. I’ve never felt so relaxed in my life. Pulling out his wand, he transfigures my dress into a large t-shirt, then points it toward the lights. They blink out, leaving us in total darkness. I run my fingers through his hair, lightly scraping my nails along his scalp. He moans, nuzzling further into my chest. The sound sends a spike of arousal through me. Merlin. Get control over yourself, Granger.
My eyes are heavy with sleep, and I start to doze. I’ll think about the repercussions in the morning. I enjoyed myself too much to care about that right now. Plus he didn’t want anything in return. Literally never had that happen before. I smile to myself. Of course, Harry is a selfless lover. It’s who he is.
Sleep tugs me down and I’m about to lose consciousness when he speaks quietly.
“I suck at being your friend.”
Even groggy with sleep, I ponder his words. How does he suck as a friend? He’s literally my best friend. That doesn’t make sense. Unless he means we crossed the line. Or maybe he didn’t want to sleep with me again like last time. Some kind of sober clarity. Oh, Merlin. Why can’t things just be easy? I just had one of the best orgasms of my life. Can’t I just enjoy that for a few moments?
“Why do you suck at being my friend?” I ask quietly and he stiffens. Probably thinking I was already asleep. He sighs.
“Because what kind of a friend am I Hermione? Every time we get drunk together lately I take advantage of you. We wouldn’t be here if we were sober.”
I freeze. What?! Fuck, I’m too tired for this right now. “Let’s talk in the morning, yeah? I’m exhausted and too comfortable to go down that road right now.”
He sighs and nods. I continue stroking his hair lost in thought. I’m a little confused. Does he want me or not? His words from before we kissed enter my mind. Yes, he clearly wants me, so why does he think he’s taking advantage of me? Does he think I don’t want him? I thought that was obvious by my constant state of drooling in his presence. It is Harry though. He is a little oblivious at times. Ugh. We’ll figure it out in the morning.