Where Our Paths May Lead (Chapters 7-9)
Chapter 7
Molly sat down on the couch and patted it. Her smile was warm but there was something in her eyes that Hermione that told her that she was facing Mrs. Weasley in mama bear mode. Maybe not the full force that Bellatrix faced but it was there.
Hermione wisely sat down to the indicated spot. “Mrs.Weasley, I didn..” she was silenced by a touch on her hand from Molly.
Molly for her part was nervous. She knew Ginny was coming up on being of the legal age but for her part she felt that right now she felt her daughter was stepping into territory that she might not be ready to step, and frankly she needed to lay down the ground rules. She did this with Harry and it worried her that she had to do this Hermione. Not so much that it is Hermione Ginny seemed to be more interested, but more along the thought process that this might hurt Hermione and Harry’s friendship something she saw as unbreakable. Hermione never budged by Harry’s side, she faced everything he faced as much as she could, as much as he would let her and sometimes when he didn’t.
“Dear, I need you to be quiet and listen for now. Ginny is my baby and in her life she has gone through more than most. I feel funny telling you this because you have gone through more than a child has ever had to go through.” she held up a hand to stop Hermione’s protest “Now, I know you are of legal age but I am also referring to the start of your schooling at Hogwarts. You stepped into things where as poor Harry was thrown into it. This is me speaking as Ginny’s mother, and I am not judging you even if I didn’t approve all that you, Harry and Ron did. I mean there is a thing called parents and we are here for a reason.”
Hermione had the good sense to look ashamed. She did feel in hindsight that yes, they could have done things a bit different. She did consider themselves lucky that the outcome came out the way they did. So many times they should have died, so many times they beat death.
Molly cleared her throat watching the emotions flicker across Hermione’s face. The poor girl could hide an emotion like she could high a fresh made tart from her sons. “Hermione, I want you to know we consider you a part of this family no matter what. You have stood true beside us, you did your best to help protect my children. We see this. You are a natural fit. But we need to lay down some rules and you must follow them Hermione. But first I need to ask you somethings and I know I will get an honest answer.” Molly would doubt most she would ask this but she knew out of all of the people that her daughter dated Harry and Hermione would always be honest to the best of their ability. She had to trust this. She took a breath and steadied herself “I need to know first, have you and my daughter been intimate?”
Hermione’s face reddened but she didn’t bow her head. She did not want to give Mrs. Weasley any impression of deceit. “I….I will admit that I have thought about it and the umm when you..in the forest” She took a calming breath. “No, we have not. To be honest last night I..it didn’t even occur to me and when I felt my attraction toward your daughter…” she stopped hoping and praying to all higher beings that Mrs. Weasley did not want details over something she was still confused over herself. She knew what she wanted. She knew that kissing Ginny was something that was equivalent to a Super Nova and the younger witch‘s sounds, responses was like liquid fire. She was confused over should she want Ginny so much. Her loyalty to Harry was strong, her want for his happiness was greatest. Would she be the best thing for Ginny? Would she be able to make Ginny happy? She didn’t even think Ginny knew what she wanted. “This is very new for me”
Molly placed a calming hand on Hermione’s knee. “Thank you. A few of my other questions were answered. I have some more and I don’t know if you can answer them. But I want you to try and if you can’t answer them. I want you to think about it, and I don’t want you to pursue my daughter until you can.” The last part was a hard thing for her to say to Hermione. Hermione was an emotional person and sometimes could act on her emotions, basically not make the most sound decisions at times. “I need to know, if you find your feelings for my daughter are deeper than, I want to know are you going to go off and leave her? Leave her alone? Frankly I am worried about that. With all that you all have been through, I want easy for you all but dear, the road you are looking down is not an easy road. If you venture down and have my daughter venture down that road with you. I need to know that you wont leave her there to face things alone. You, Ron, and Harry did before. A few times and if you go down this path, you cannot do it again to her. She deserves someone that will stand strong beside her and put her needs above others.”
Hermione looked and felt like she actually received a physical blow. She hadn’t thought about that. She looked back playing back things over and over in her head. She replayed events trying to see them through Ginny’s eyes. It wasn’t until quite sometime she finally saw what Mrs. Weasley saw. Hermione tried to close out the emotions she felt, adding to the guilt she already felt. In defeat she dipped her head as a few tears started to escape.
Molly had been patient waiting for Hermione, knowing what the young woman was doing. Hermione was a strong witch, it was true and a good person. She tried to do what was right even when it was not popular. Even when it put her at odds with those that she cared about most. But seeing Hermione cry also hurt her. She had grown to care about Harry and Hermione since their first year at Hogwarts. Both stepped into their lives, into their family and personally she counted it as a blessing everyday.
Hermione cleared her throat and composed herself. She was unable to meet Mrs. Weasley’s eyes. She tried, she really tried. “I owe her so many apologies, I don’t know where to start” her voice was soft and shaky. She felt the couch shift under her a bit as Molly scooted closer and then felt arms go around her.
“There is more and I am hitting you with this all because one, you need to know what I expect, two, you can handle it dear.” Molly spoke softly trying to keep her voice soft. “We have very traditional rules here in the Weasley home. Sex outside marriage is a big no. You two decide to date, I expect you to respect that rule. Another rule when staying in this house you will no longer share a bed with Ginny, even if the intentions are innocent. The final rule is something you need to pay attention to. You have the tendency to take control of situations, make decisions for others. Your parents are a good example” She held up a hand quieting Hermione’s protest. “I understand why you did but it was not your decision to make. If you do that to Ginny. Use magic to control a situation, without her consent I will tell you right now, you will no longer be welcome in this family. I care deeply for you Hermione but I have to be very clear on this last rule.” Molly gave Hermione a comforting squeeze and rose. “Now it is late and I am going to bed. You know where Bill’s old room is. Goodnight” With that Molly headed upstairs quietly leaving Hermione to think about all that she said, knowing the young witch would indeed think about all she said.
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Chapter 8
Hermione had spent most of the night pacing the downstairs living room in the burrow. She had so many things she needed to set right, and so many thing she had to do. Reigning in her desire for Ginny was first. Respecting and following the Weasley rules in her eyes was more important than following the rules of the Ministry something that she a few times broke. She couldn’t do that now. Would she be able to? She stopped her pacing to look out the window.
Outside in the brisk morning air she saw a figure zooming about the sky, making quick elaborate dives, fancy turns, speeding up and then slowing down. It took her only a few seconds to realize that it was Ginny. She didn’t notice someone was standing beside Hermione until she looked over and jumped. “Harry! I need to put bells on your shoes at times.” she had a hard time looking at him.
Harry had arrived at the Burrow a few hours ago but watched Hermione, watching his friend struggle with whatever she was thinking. He watched all the emotions. The smile she would get on her face when she would think of something that pleased her, then there was the guilty look. The kind she had on her face when she went up against he and Ron back when they thought Sirius was out to kill him. She did the right thing but he knew she struggled that time feeling like she was also betraying them. She risked her friendship with them, something he knew was one of the dearest things to her, just to keep him safe, protect him when he was being stupid. Then he saw the guilty expression shift to a troubled one, the kind that she got when she went through her jealous phase with Ron Ron. He smirked remembering that nickname of Ron’s. He still enjoyed teasing him over it. Then sadness that he never wanted to see on Hermione’s face. He knew she was making decisions and most likely it would be one where she was sacrificing what she really wanted for what she saw as the greater good.
Harry nudged her with his hip. “Sorry Hermione I will make sure I stomp loudly next time while mimicking Peeves” he teased wanting to cause her to smile even if it was just a little. It worked.
Hermione nudged him back and looked back out the window. “You should go flying out there with her. I am sure she would enjoy the company.” She didn’t hide the fact she was openly watching his girlfriend. She knew he already saw her watching her. Accidentally she let some her thoughts slip through her mouth. “Have you ever thought about why it is only the rough and painful roads that will lead you to the biggest happiness?” She watched Ginny now looping in the sky. She enjoyed watching the flash of red when the wind caught her hair, and when the light hit her, it was near breathtaking to Hermione.
Harry turned to look at Hermione smiling to her in a warm way “Everyday since I can remember. That is kind of what I wanted to talk to you about.” He had made this decision after Ginny’s and his argument even though at the time he hadn’t realized it until now. “I want the easy less rewarding road for a while.” he knew he confused Hermione, her expression shifted to her troubled expression with a flicker of guilt mixed in.
“Harry, if this is about…I knew you would see it. I didn’t know, and I didn’t plan on it..but I want you to know I won’t act on it anymore. I wont make things difficult between you and Ginny. You deserve family, love, happiness.”
Harry put his arm around her. He was a bit surprised that something did happen but the strange thing was, the jealousy wasn’t there. What does that say about his feelings for Ginny? Here he was sure that she was the one, she was the one that he wanted a family with, to get married. She was the one he had dreamed about. And here it was, his best friend and strongest sense of family he ever had was telling him that she did act on her feelings for his girlfriend once. He wasn’t bothered. In fact the relief he felt was even more surprising to him. “Hermione, its okay. It really is, and I know…..thank you. But it isn’t about that. I walk on the streets in Diagon Alley and I get hounded. I go into the ministry and I get pulled. I have a god child I need to take care of. I just really want to find some peace and quiet, even if it isn’t the hard road…and I promise Hermione, I feel love, family and happiness. You have always been that for me and I know you always will.”
Hermione pulled Harry into a hug. She couldn’t help and felt relief, love and true friendship through the hug. She couldn’t help but not cry as she felt some of her guilt wash away. “Why is it lately all I can do is cry” she laughed softly while wiping the tears from her eyes. “Where will you go? When will you go?”
Harry looked at Hermione, who was still always straight to the point. “Mrs. Tonks, Teddy and I are going to go do a bit of exploring. While I am away I am having Sirius’s house fixed up and restored. We are going to be leaving tomorrow.”
Hermione gasped “Harry, that is to soon! Who else knows? When will you tell them?” She tried to go through all of the things he needed to do to be ready for such a trip. “Are you packed? Do you have everything? Do you need some of my books because you don’t know what you will be facing? What if there are some death eaters that escape the Ministry to track you do”
She was silenced by Harry’s hand. “Hermione, stop, breathe. I need to do this, I am all packed, so is Mrs. Tonks, and Teddy. We are prepared, stop worrying. “ The look he received from Hermione told him that she could sooner will the earth to reverse it’s rotation than stop worrying. “As for the others…I was hoping you could tell them. I don’t want to face the questions, or the concerns, or arguments.”
Hermione nodded seeing that Harry had made up his mind and once he does that he is pretty unstoppable. You either go along for the ride or get off. “I will, but Harry..you know they will be rather upset with you when you get back.” her tone took on a bit of teasing to lighten the mood or try to. “The great Harry Potter just disappears. The Chosen One first declared missing was later found tanning on a beach” That got a nudge and a smile from him of which she returned.
“Thank you Hermione…as for, well you acting on or not acting on something” he indicated Ginny through the window “You have my blessing and support. Figured you would lean more toward the rough road. I am starting to think Hermione that you aren’t happy if it isn’t rough” he softly teased.
Hermione smirked and hit his arm not trusting her words right now. They stayed like that for sometime leaning against each other, watching Ginny’s aerial acrobatics. Okay she had less things to feel guilty but she knew she would be lowering a rather big boom when she dropped the news Harry, Mrs. Tonks, and Teddy were going on a long rather lengthy holiday. But they needed it. Mrs. Tonks had lost so much. Her whole family just about wiped out from this war, Teddy lost his parents to Voldemort and his army, and Harry well yeah.
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Chapter 9
It was night in the Weasley home. “Dinner!” Molly shouted loudly and the thumping sound of feet racing down to the table was heard. Hermione heard the shout from outside and was coming in.
Hermione loved the burrow, loved the feeling of home but she missed her parents and knew she needed to undo her memory charm on them soon. She looked around the Weasley table and watched George talk with his father. He was less pale, and eating again. She knew he would never be able to fully recover from losing Fred. She didn’t think anyone here at the table could, but it was good to see him getting healthy again and smiling as he and his father shared a joke. Ron had joined them after Harry had talked to him. He was still upset, but more embarrassed by his behavior than anything. She did respect his words earlier and she didn’t engage him in any conversation regardless of how much she wanted to. Bill and Fleur were here earlier and shared the news that they were going to have a baby. Molly wanted them to stay and celebrate but it was clear to everyone that the couple wanted to celebrate more privately. Hermione laughed and enjoyed the loud boisterous cheers shared by everyone in the Weasley home. She remembered Ginny leaping into her arms hugging her fiercely. Remembering Mrs. Weasley’s rules she enjoyed the hug for a little bit longer before releasing it. She was strong yes, but she was not made of steel and Ginny had a way of melting her self control quicker than anything she had ever felt before. She sat with the Weasleys and they shared the meal, laughing, talking and planning things to do with the soon to be, (8 months kind of soon) Weasley addition. Names were tossed out, which brought about family stories, all of which left most laughing till their sides hurt.
Ginny approached Hermione who was in the living room. This was the first time she had gotten Hermione alone today. “Tonight was a good night” she smiled and placed her arms around Hermione. She did feel Hermione stiffen for a few seconds but then relax into her hold. She didn’t really question why she wanted to put her arms around Hermione, just that she wanted to, so she did.
Hermione for her part loved the feel of Ginny’s arms around her. She found she felt safe, secure, wanted in the younger witch’s hold. But there was the other part that was repeating Mrs. Weasley’s rules over and over in her head like a mantra, trying desperately to keep herself in check. She closed her eyes and leaned back into Ginny, for now not questioning anything, not fighting anything, just enjoying this moment. “I think they are going to have a daughter”
Ginny smiled and rested her head on Hermione’s shoulder “You think? I was thinking they would have a boy. It kind of runs in the family” she joked, thinking that she was grossly outnumbered on the girl department in this family.
Turning her head she couldn’t resist inhaling Ginny’s scent “Well there is that but I think you broke that roll.” Hermione quietly replied. She did feel her body start to react a bit more, her heart beat started to become slightly quicker, a bit stronger in her pulse points.
Ginny noticed and decided to test the boundaries, that and she missed Hermione. Yes this was new but she just couldn’t explain the need feeling of want she started feeling for her best friend. They shared a rather intense kiss, and hands definitely roamed. If she shut her eyes she could still feel Hermione’s hands roaming down her back, to her ass. Her lips found Hermione’s pulse point on her neck. As soon as she did that she felt Hermione’s hold on her hands tighten. She didn’t know if it was because she was trying to still one of her hands that started pulling up a bit of Hermione’s shirt to trace, touch a bit of the other witch’s soft skin.
Hermione bit her lip hard and leaned back more trusting Ginny to be able to handle it. Turning her head she gave more of her neck to Ginny and her mouth. She jumped away from Ginny when she felt the young witch’s teeth nip at her sensitive skin.
There was warmth, softness, fire, and then next thing she knew she felt Hermione leap away from her. “Hermione? Did I do something wrong?” Ginny was confused, they were sharing a moment and it felt like both were enjoying it and then it was like hitting a brick wall. She looked at the distance Hermione put between them. Did Hermione hurdle the couch? She started taking a step toward Hermione and was halted quickly by Hermione’s sharp no.
“No!” Hermione held up a shaky hand, her other hand digging into the back of the couch as she fought to bring back some of her control. She saw the confusion and hurt in Ginny’s eyes. She read that the other witch was thinking she did something wrong, so Hermione raised her eyes to Ginny, showing the raging fire that burned in them. She didn’t trust her voice yet.
Ginny was getting ready to step into a panic full retreat mode but then she saw Hermione’s eyes. “Merlin’s beard!” she gasped and leapt over the couch to Hermione using her agility and speed from being a chaser. The look of pure barely controlled desire ignited something fierce and wild inside Ginny something she couldn’t resist.
Hermione barely had time to catch a breath as she saw Ginny’s gaze matching her own. Then the next thing she knew they were kissing each other like their life depended on it. Ginny’s hands moved down Hermione’s back, then to her hips guiding the other witch back to the steps and up them. Hermione’s hands were filled with Ginny’s red fiery hair. The kiss was threatening to go to the next level very, very quickly. And as Hermione nearly stumbled back as she was guided up another stair, Mrs. Weasley’s rule rang out loudly in her head.
It was painful to tear her lips away from Ginny’s soft, demanding lips but Hermione did and gasped for air. “Ginny, we can’t. I promised your mom. The rules!” she spoke inbetween large gulps of air as she rested her forehead against the younger witch.
Ginny’s hands clenched tightly as she held strong to Hermione’s hips. She wanted to much to pick up Hermione and do more. What she didn’t quite know, well she had a picture in her mind but she knew thinking about it, fantasizing about it was no where near as good as actually experiencing it. Slowly she lessened her grip on Hermione’s hips and just looped her fingers through the other woman’s belt loops. “Hermione, this is killing me” she expressed herself with a mixed groan and a chuckle. It was either laugh or cry, she chose laugh.
Hermione chuckled as well “Trust me when I say, I know. Ginny, you did nothing wrong earlier. I think you know this now, but just to be sure we are on the same page” She slowly started relinquishing her hold on the silky red hair.
Ginny sighed and stepped back. “I need…I am going to go fly.” she needed someway to channel this sexual energy. It was either find a way or explode. “Will I see you later?” Ginny asked as she turned heading down the stairs not trusting herself to be able to behave.
Hermione watched Ginny’s hips, her eyes traveled down to her ass, her legs, then her back. She didn’t notice the other witch had stopped, completely frozen until she heard Ginny’s growl.
“Hermione, stop” was all Ginny could do to warn. She felt Hermione’s heated gaze and she held onto the banister for support.
Blinking, Hermione quickly blushed. “I am sorry, did you say something?” She tried to look at the floor, the walls, the books that lined the shelves in the living room anything but Ginny.
Ginny still felt Hermione’s heat but it wasn’t directly on her anymore. She couldn’t decide if she was happy about that, relieved or missing it. “I was wondering if I was going to see you later.”
“No, I don’t think it would be a good idea. I think I will read a book to take my” Hermione blushed a bit “my mind off things, and try to go to sleep, but I don’t think it will do much good.”
Ginny turned and that was a mistake. She took in Hermione’s flushed skin, her lips that were parted as she still fought to try to get her breathing under control. Traveling down to Hermione’s waist she saw part of her shirt was still up. She could see a bit of skin. This excited her even more. She growled softly and raced out the door before she attacked Hermione.
Hermione stayed like that for a few minutes, barely resisting the urge to bang her head against the wall. She would leave tomorrow to undo the memory charm on her parents, and face whatever she had to face. She could do it. The distance would be a good thing, maybe it would help get her desire back in check. If she didn’t the rules would kill her.
TBC
Molly sat down on the couch and patted it. Her smile was warm but there was something in her eyes that Hermione that told her that she was facing Mrs. Weasley in mama bear mode. Maybe not the full force that Bellatrix faced but it was there.
Hermione wisely sat down to the indicated spot. “Mrs.Weasley, I didn..” she was silenced by a touch on her hand from Molly.
Molly for her part was nervous. She knew Ginny was coming up on being of the legal age but for her part she felt that right now she felt her daughter was stepping into territory that she might not be ready to step, and frankly she needed to lay down the ground rules. She did this with Harry and it worried her that she had to do this Hermione. Not so much that it is Hermione Ginny seemed to be more interested, but more along the thought process that this might hurt Hermione and Harry’s friendship something she saw as unbreakable. Hermione never budged by Harry’s side, she faced everything he faced as much as she could, as much as he would let her and sometimes when he didn’t.
“Dear, I need you to be quiet and listen for now. Ginny is my baby and in her life she has gone through more than most. I feel funny telling you this because you have gone through more than a child has ever had to go through.” she held up a hand to stop Hermione’s protest “Now, I know you are of legal age but I am also referring to the start of your schooling at Hogwarts. You stepped into things where as poor Harry was thrown into it. This is me speaking as Ginny’s mother, and I am not judging you even if I didn’t approve all that you, Harry and Ron did. I mean there is a thing called parents and we are here for a reason.”
Hermione had the good sense to look ashamed. She did feel in hindsight that yes, they could have done things a bit different. She did consider themselves lucky that the outcome came out the way they did. So many times they should have died, so many times they beat death.
Molly cleared her throat watching the emotions flicker across Hermione’s face. The poor girl could hide an emotion like she could high a fresh made tart from her sons. “Hermione, I want you to know we consider you a part of this family no matter what. You have stood true beside us, you did your best to help protect my children. We see this. You are a natural fit. But we need to lay down some rules and you must follow them Hermione. But first I need to ask you somethings and I know I will get an honest answer.” Molly would doubt most she would ask this but she knew out of all of the people that her daughter dated Harry and Hermione would always be honest to the best of their ability. She had to trust this. She took a breath and steadied herself “I need to know first, have you and my daughter been intimate?”
Hermione’s face reddened but she didn’t bow her head. She did not want to give Mrs. Weasley any impression of deceit. “I….I will admit that I have thought about it and the umm when you..in the forest” She took a calming breath. “No, we have not. To be honest last night I..it didn’t even occur to me and when I felt my attraction toward your daughter…” she stopped hoping and praying to all higher beings that Mrs. Weasley did not want details over something she was still confused over herself. She knew what she wanted. She knew that kissing Ginny was something that was equivalent to a Super Nova and the younger witch‘s sounds, responses was like liquid fire. She was confused over should she want Ginny so much. Her loyalty to Harry was strong, her want for his happiness was greatest. Would she be the best thing for Ginny? Would she be able to make Ginny happy? She didn’t even think Ginny knew what she wanted. “This is very new for me”
Molly placed a calming hand on Hermione’s knee. “Thank you. A few of my other questions were answered. I have some more and I don’t know if you can answer them. But I want you to try and if you can’t answer them. I want you to think about it, and I don’t want you to pursue my daughter until you can.” The last part was a hard thing for her to say to Hermione. Hermione was an emotional person and sometimes could act on her emotions, basically not make the most sound decisions at times. “I need to know, if you find your feelings for my daughter are deeper than, I want to know are you going to go off and leave her? Leave her alone? Frankly I am worried about that. With all that you all have been through, I want easy for you all but dear, the road you are looking down is not an easy road. If you venture down and have my daughter venture down that road with you. I need to know that you wont leave her there to face things alone. You, Ron, and Harry did before. A few times and if you go down this path, you cannot do it again to her. She deserves someone that will stand strong beside her and put her needs above others.”
Hermione looked and felt like she actually received a physical blow. She hadn’t thought about that. She looked back playing back things over and over in her head. She replayed events trying to see them through Ginny’s eyes. It wasn’t until quite sometime she finally saw what Mrs. Weasley saw. Hermione tried to close out the emotions she felt, adding to the guilt she already felt. In defeat she dipped her head as a few tears started to escape.
Molly had been patient waiting for Hermione, knowing what the young woman was doing. Hermione was a strong witch, it was true and a good person. She tried to do what was right even when it was not popular. Even when it put her at odds with those that she cared about most. But seeing Hermione cry also hurt her. She had grown to care about Harry and Hermione since their first year at Hogwarts. Both stepped into their lives, into their family and personally she counted it as a blessing everyday.
Hermione cleared her throat and composed herself. She was unable to meet Mrs. Weasley’s eyes. She tried, she really tried. “I owe her so many apologies, I don’t know where to start” her voice was soft and shaky. She felt the couch shift under her a bit as Molly scooted closer and then felt arms go around her.
“There is more and I am hitting you with this all because one, you need to know what I expect, two, you can handle it dear.” Molly spoke softly trying to keep her voice soft. “We have very traditional rules here in the Weasley home. Sex outside marriage is a big no. You two decide to date, I expect you to respect that rule. Another rule when staying in this house you will no longer share a bed with Ginny, even if the intentions are innocent. The final rule is something you need to pay attention to. You have the tendency to take control of situations, make decisions for others. Your parents are a good example” She held up a hand quieting Hermione’s protest. “I understand why you did but it was not your decision to make. If you do that to Ginny. Use magic to control a situation, without her consent I will tell you right now, you will no longer be welcome in this family. I care deeply for you Hermione but I have to be very clear on this last rule.” Molly gave Hermione a comforting squeeze and rose. “Now it is late and I am going to bed. You know where Bill’s old room is. Goodnight” With that Molly headed upstairs quietly leaving Hermione to think about all that she said, knowing the young witch would indeed think about all she said.
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Chapter 8
Hermione had spent most of the night pacing the downstairs living room in the burrow. She had so many things she needed to set right, and so many thing she had to do. Reigning in her desire for Ginny was first. Respecting and following the Weasley rules in her eyes was more important than following the rules of the Ministry something that she a few times broke. She couldn’t do that now. Would she be able to? She stopped her pacing to look out the window.
Outside in the brisk morning air she saw a figure zooming about the sky, making quick elaborate dives, fancy turns, speeding up and then slowing down. It took her only a few seconds to realize that it was Ginny. She didn’t notice someone was standing beside Hermione until she looked over and jumped. “Harry! I need to put bells on your shoes at times.” she had a hard time looking at him.
Harry had arrived at the Burrow a few hours ago but watched Hermione, watching his friend struggle with whatever she was thinking. He watched all the emotions. The smile she would get on her face when she would think of something that pleased her, then there was the guilty look. The kind she had on her face when she went up against he and Ron back when they thought Sirius was out to kill him. She did the right thing but he knew she struggled that time feeling like she was also betraying them. She risked her friendship with them, something he knew was one of the dearest things to her, just to keep him safe, protect him when he was being stupid. Then he saw the guilty expression shift to a troubled one, the kind that she got when she went through her jealous phase with Ron Ron. He smirked remembering that nickname of Ron’s. He still enjoyed teasing him over it. Then sadness that he never wanted to see on Hermione’s face. He knew she was making decisions and most likely it would be one where she was sacrificing what she really wanted for what she saw as the greater good.
Harry nudged her with his hip. “Sorry Hermione I will make sure I stomp loudly next time while mimicking Peeves” he teased wanting to cause her to smile even if it was just a little. It worked.
Hermione nudged him back and looked back out the window. “You should go flying out there with her. I am sure she would enjoy the company.” She didn’t hide the fact she was openly watching his girlfriend. She knew he already saw her watching her. Accidentally she let some her thoughts slip through her mouth. “Have you ever thought about why it is only the rough and painful roads that will lead you to the biggest happiness?” She watched Ginny now looping in the sky. She enjoyed watching the flash of red when the wind caught her hair, and when the light hit her, it was near breathtaking to Hermione.
Harry turned to look at Hermione smiling to her in a warm way “Everyday since I can remember. That is kind of what I wanted to talk to you about.” He had made this decision after Ginny’s and his argument even though at the time he hadn’t realized it until now. “I want the easy less rewarding road for a while.” he knew he confused Hermione, her expression shifted to her troubled expression with a flicker of guilt mixed in.
“Harry, if this is about…I knew you would see it. I didn’t know, and I didn’t plan on it..but I want you to know I won’t act on it anymore. I wont make things difficult between you and Ginny. You deserve family, love, happiness.”
Harry put his arm around her. He was a bit surprised that something did happen but the strange thing was, the jealousy wasn’t there. What does that say about his feelings for Ginny? Here he was sure that she was the one, she was the one that he wanted a family with, to get married. She was the one he had dreamed about. And here it was, his best friend and strongest sense of family he ever had was telling him that she did act on her feelings for his girlfriend once. He wasn’t bothered. In fact the relief he felt was even more surprising to him. “Hermione, its okay. It really is, and I know…..thank you. But it isn’t about that. I walk on the streets in Diagon Alley and I get hounded. I go into the ministry and I get pulled. I have a god child I need to take care of. I just really want to find some peace and quiet, even if it isn’t the hard road…and I promise Hermione, I feel love, family and happiness. You have always been that for me and I know you always will.”
Hermione pulled Harry into a hug. She couldn’t help and felt relief, love and true friendship through the hug. She couldn’t help but not cry as she felt some of her guilt wash away. “Why is it lately all I can do is cry” she laughed softly while wiping the tears from her eyes. “Where will you go? When will you go?”
Harry looked at Hermione, who was still always straight to the point. “Mrs. Tonks, Teddy and I are going to go do a bit of exploring. While I am away I am having Sirius’s house fixed up and restored. We are going to be leaving tomorrow.”
Hermione gasped “Harry, that is to soon! Who else knows? When will you tell them?” She tried to go through all of the things he needed to do to be ready for such a trip. “Are you packed? Do you have everything? Do you need some of my books because you don’t know what you will be facing? What if there are some death eaters that escape the Ministry to track you do”
She was silenced by Harry’s hand. “Hermione, stop, breathe. I need to do this, I am all packed, so is Mrs. Tonks, and Teddy. We are prepared, stop worrying. “ The look he received from Hermione told him that she could sooner will the earth to reverse it’s rotation than stop worrying. “As for the others…I was hoping you could tell them. I don’t want to face the questions, or the concerns, or arguments.”
Hermione nodded seeing that Harry had made up his mind and once he does that he is pretty unstoppable. You either go along for the ride or get off. “I will, but Harry..you know they will be rather upset with you when you get back.” her tone took on a bit of teasing to lighten the mood or try to. “The great Harry Potter just disappears. The Chosen One first declared missing was later found tanning on a beach” That got a nudge and a smile from him of which she returned.
“Thank you Hermione…as for, well you acting on or not acting on something” he indicated Ginny through the window “You have my blessing and support. Figured you would lean more toward the rough road. I am starting to think Hermione that you aren’t happy if it isn’t rough” he softly teased.
Hermione smirked and hit his arm not trusting her words right now. They stayed like that for sometime leaning against each other, watching Ginny’s aerial acrobatics. Okay she had less things to feel guilty but she knew she would be lowering a rather big boom when she dropped the news Harry, Mrs. Tonks, and Teddy were going on a long rather lengthy holiday. But they needed it. Mrs. Tonks had lost so much. Her whole family just about wiped out from this war, Teddy lost his parents to Voldemort and his army, and Harry well yeah.
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Chapter 9
It was night in the Weasley home. “Dinner!” Molly shouted loudly and the thumping sound of feet racing down to the table was heard. Hermione heard the shout from outside and was coming in.
Hermione loved the burrow, loved the feeling of home but she missed her parents and knew she needed to undo her memory charm on them soon. She looked around the Weasley table and watched George talk with his father. He was less pale, and eating again. She knew he would never be able to fully recover from losing Fred. She didn’t think anyone here at the table could, but it was good to see him getting healthy again and smiling as he and his father shared a joke. Ron had joined them after Harry had talked to him. He was still upset, but more embarrassed by his behavior than anything. She did respect his words earlier and she didn’t engage him in any conversation regardless of how much she wanted to. Bill and Fleur were here earlier and shared the news that they were going to have a baby. Molly wanted them to stay and celebrate but it was clear to everyone that the couple wanted to celebrate more privately. Hermione laughed and enjoyed the loud boisterous cheers shared by everyone in the Weasley home. She remembered Ginny leaping into her arms hugging her fiercely. Remembering Mrs. Weasley’s rules she enjoyed the hug for a little bit longer before releasing it. She was strong yes, but she was not made of steel and Ginny had a way of melting her self control quicker than anything she had ever felt before. She sat with the Weasleys and they shared the meal, laughing, talking and planning things to do with the soon to be, (8 months kind of soon) Weasley addition. Names were tossed out, which brought about family stories, all of which left most laughing till their sides hurt.
Ginny approached Hermione who was in the living room. This was the first time she had gotten Hermione alone today. “Tonight was a good night” she smiled and placed her arms around Hermione. She did feel Hermione stiffen for a few seconds but then relax into her hold. She didn’t really question why she wanted to put her arms around Hermione, just that she wanted to, so she did.
Hermione for her part loved the feel of Ginny’s arms around her. She found she felt safe, secure, wanted in the younger witch’s hold. But there was the other part that was repeating Mrs. Weasley’s rules over and over in her head like a mantra, trying desperately to keep herself in check. She closed her eyes and leaned back into Ginny, for now not questioning anything, not fighting anything, just enjoying this moment. “I think they are going to have a daughter”
Ginny smiled and rested her head on Hermione’s shoulder “You think? I was thinking they would have a boy. It kind of runs in the family” she joked, thinking that she was grossly outnumbered on the girl department in this family.
Turning her head she couldn’t resist inhaling Ginny’s scent “Well there is that but I think you broke that roll.” Hermione quietly replied. She did feel her body start to react a bit more, her heart beat started to become slightly quicker, a bit stronger in her pulse points.
Ginny noticed and decided to test the boundaries, that and she missed Hermione. Yes this was new but she just couldn’t explain the need feeling of want she started feeling for her best friend. They shared a rather intense kiss, and hands definitely roamed. If she shut her eyes she could still feel Hermione’s hands roaming down her back, to her ass. Her lips found Hermione’s pulse point on her neck. As soon as she did that she felt Hermione’s hold on her hands tighten. She didn’t know if it was because she was trying to still one of her hands that started pulling up a bit of Hermione’s shirt to trace, touch a bit of the other witch’s soft skin.
Hermione bit her lip hard and leaned back more trusting Ginny to be able to handle it. Turning her head she gave more of her neck to Ginny and her mouth. She jumped away from Ginny when she felt the young witch’s teeth nip at her sensitive skin.
There was warmth, softness, fire, and then next thing she knew she felt Hermione leap away from her. “Hermione? Did I do something wrong?” Ginny was confused, they were sharing a moment and it felt like both were enjoying it and then it was like hitting a brick wall. She looked at the distance Hermione put between them. Did Hermione hurdle the couch? She started taking a step toward Hermione and was halted quickly by Hermione’s sharp no.
“No!” Hermione held up a shaky hand, her other hand digging into the back of the couch as she fought to bring back some of her control. She saw the confusion and hurt in Ginny’s eyes. She read that the other witch was thinking she did something wrong, so Hermione raised her eyes to Ginny, showing the raging fire that burned in them. She didn’t trust her voice yet.
Ginny was getting ready to step into a panic full retreat mode but then she saw Hermione’s eyes. “Merlin’s beard!” she gasped and leapt over the couch to Hermione using her agility and speed from being a chaser. The look of pure barely controlled desire ignited something fierce and wild inside Ginny something she couldn’t resist.
Hermione barely had time to catch a breath as she saw Ginny’s gaze matching her own. Then the next thing she knew they were kissing each other like their life depended on it. Ginny’s hands moved down Hermione’s back, then to her hips guiding the other witch back to the steps and up them. Hermione’s hands were filled with Ginny’s red fiery hair. The kiss was threatening to go to the next level very, very quickly. And as Hermione nearly stumbled back as she was guided up another stair, Mrs. Weasley’s rule rang out loudly in her head.
It was painful to tear her lips away from Ginny’s soft, demanding lips but Hermione did and gasped for air. “Ginny, we can’t. I promised your mom. The rules!” she spoke inbetween large gulps of air as she rested her forehead against the younger witch.
Ginny’s hands clenched tightly as she held strong to Hermione’s hips. She wanted to much to pick up Hermione and do more. What she didn’t quite know, well she had a picture in her mind but she knew thinking about it, fantasizing about it was no where near as good as actually experiencing it. Slowly she lessened her grip on Hermione’s hips and just looped her fingers through the other woman’s belt loops. “Hermione, this is killing me” she expressed herself with a mixed groan and a chuckle. It was either laugh or cry, she chose laugh.
Hermione chuckled as well “Trust me when I say, I know. Ginny, you did nothing wrong earlier. I think you know this now, but just to be sure we are on the same page” She slowly started relinquishing her hold on the silky red hair.
Ginny sighed and stepped back. “I need…I am going to go fly.” she needed someway to channel this sexual energy. It was either find a way or explode. “Will I see you later?” Ginny asked as she turned heading down the stairs not trusting herself to be able to behave.
Hermione watched Ginny’s hips, her eyes traveled down to her ass, her legs, then her back. She didn’t notice the other witch had stopped, completely frozen until she heard Ginny’s growl.
“Hermione, stop” was all Ginny could do to warn. She felt Hermione’s heated gaze and she held onto the banister for support.
Blinking, Hermione quickly blushed. “I am sorry, did you say something?” She tried to look at the floor, the walls, the books that lined the shelves in the living room anything but Ginny.
Ginny still felt Hermione’s heat but it wasn’t directly on her anymore. She couldn’t decide if she was happy about that, relieved or missing it. “I was wondering if I was going to see you later.”
“No, I don’t think it would be a good idea. I think I will read a book to take my” Hermione blushed a bit “my mind off things, and try to go to sleep, but I don’t think it will do much good.”
Ginny turned and that was a mistake. She took in Hermione’s flushed skin, her lips that were parted as she still fought to try to get her breathing under control. Traveling down to Hermione’s waist she saw part of her shirt was still up. She could see a bit of skin. This excited her even more. She growled softly and raced out the door before she attacked Hermione.
Hermione stayed like that for a few minutes, barely resisting the urge to bang her head against the wall. She would leave tomorrow to undo the memory charm on her parents, and face whatever she had to face. She could do it. The distance would be a good thing, maybe it would help get her desire back in check. If she didn’t the rules would kill her.
TBC