A Whole New Chapter

The keys floated out of the open door, almost hitting it and jingling. Hermione's eyes widened upon seeing what was on the chain.

A miniature globe.

Hermione knew exactly whom it belonged to.

Chapter 6: Just What We Need

Creak.

Hermione winced as the door creaked loudly. Quickly, she whipped out her wand and muttered an oiling charm to quiet it. Swinging the door a few times to check it again, she entered the flat once she was satisfied. As quiet as she could, Hermione tiptoed over to what she presumed was the couch and sat down.

Ron was over at Harry's once more, which gave Hermione enough time to finish her investigation. She crossed her legs and rested her chin in her hand, waiting patiently for her prime suspect to arrive.

Hermione jerked her head up at the sound of keys opening the lock. She positioned herself near the light switch, ready to flick it as soon as the door opened. Slowly, as if teasing her, the door opened, and Hermione expertly flipped the switch. Her suspect froze in surprise, nearly dropping all of the contents she held.

"Hermione!" Hermione raised up a hand to calm Ashley down.

"Don't worry. I just need to ask you something," she explained.

"That's okay I just wanted to..." she stopped unexpectedly. Her eyes lit up and she threw her arms out in welcome.

"Oh, I can't believe you're back!" Hermione momentarily forgot her mission and proceeded to greet her friend.

"Well, I know we said we'd be back by Christmas, but, well, you know Ron."

"That's the sad thing. I do."

They laughed before stepping back and appraising each other. Hermione smiled before shaking her head.

"Sorry about the hastiness, but I do need to ask you something," she voiced.

"Sure. What's up?" Ashley asked. She sat down on the couch and motioned for Hermione to do the same. Scratching at her arm (oh, how she hated that sweater. It was a gift from her aunt, and she couldn't just say she didn't like it. But she didn't. Oh didn't she ever!) Hermione complied.

"Well--" Hermione began before her personalities began to fight.

You know, it really is quite funny when you think about it. They were in the shower together. Or maybe something else. I'd wiggle my eyebrows, but as I have none--

You have no morals. Absolutely none at all, did you know that? This is serious business! Ashley was with Harry, and that means something was going on between them. Do you think that Ginny's plan actually worked?

Welcome to the Blatantly Obvious. Please leave naïveté on your way in.

Oh, aren't you a ray of sunshine.

I'm just saying that we should come right out and tell her that we know.

Maybe we should make some sort of innuendo. That's always better and funnier.

This isn't about hilarity! This is, however, about confronting her. We should do it gently and let her know she has our full support.

Does she ever! Have you even seen whom she's with? HOLY CRICKET!

Well, now that the peanut gallery has had their say... Coming and telling her will save time. What's the big deal?

Gently will serve better in a situation like this. Besides, what if everything doesn't work out? Like last time, for instance. The two of them could be setting themselves up for more heartache. Then we'll have to comfort her knowing that we egged the whole thing on in the first place wholeheartedly. That is, if there is something going on in the first place.

Why must you always be the soothing grandmother? Why can't you ever be the sister this once?

Friend is better, don't you think?

Sisterly.

Soothingly.

Friendly.

Sisterly.

Soothingly.

Friendly.

Sisterly.

Soothingly.

Friendly.

SISTERLY!

SOOTHINGLY!

FRIENDLY!

"I know." Silence followed Hermione's statement. In all honesty, Ashley was confused.

"Know what?" she asked, perplexed. Hermione was a little hesitant, but those little voices urged her on.

"That you and Harry are...you know..." Hermione saw that Ashley's face lit up at the mere mention of his name. She smiled internally. Maybe this wasn't a bad thing after all.

"What exactly gave you that idea?" she asked, trying to fight back a cheesy grin.

"I only know of one person with a small globe on their key chain," Hermione answered, holding up the article in question. "With circles around countries she's visited, no less." Her suspect (convicted guilty, now) smiled sheepishly. "It gives me a sense of déjà vu."

"Well, history has its way of repeating itself," Ashley reminded her. Hermione laughed. Soon the two of them were laughing out loud, clutching their sides. When the laughter subsided, Hermione spoke again.

"How?" she asked. Ashley smiled wistfully and sighed.

"Where do I begin?"

~~~~~~~

"So, explain why you've been so cheery."

Spring was coming upon them, and Harry and Ron were once again back at work. Ron had a suspicion something was up. After hearing of his matchmaking failure, Ron was sure Harry wouldn't be on top of the world even four months after it. Yet there he was, on top of the world with his feet propped up on his desk, raven black hair falling into his closed eyes.

"What do you mean, mate?" Ron clucked his tongue and whacked Harry in the face with a folder. Harry, taken by surprise, jumped, immediately reaching for his wand before he relaxed, realizing it was only Ron.

"I mean, you fresh pickled toad," Ron teased. Harry winced at the memory of Ginny's valentine from his second year as his best mate continued on. "I mean that you've certainly been walking around with a bounce in your step. You're always busy and that day Hermione and I found you "fresh" from the shower seemed a bit suspicious. I'm not thick, Harry--"

"Really?"

"Piss off. So I know something's up."

Harry swirled around in his chair, avoiding the subject just to torture Ron. Telling him would be okay, but making him squirm...hmmm... I like the latter better.

"A lot of things are up, Ron." Ron edged forward, ears open and eyes widened eagerly.

"Like?" Harry sighed.

"A lot of things." He grinned. "The sky, the air, the sun, the moon, the stars..." he stopped when his face made contact with a squishy ball. Ron laughed. Harry soon joined in.

"All right, I get it." He started to walk out of the room, seemingly giving up. "I won't get in the way of you and your girl." He walked out, Harry trailing behind him to shut the door. He left it open a crack, allowing a word of "Thanks" to Ron before he shut and locked it.

"HEY!"

~~~~~~~~

"Did you tell Ron that you knew?"

"I think it would be a lot more fun if he didn't know we knew."

~~~~~~~~

Ron sat at his desk in his home office, pondering things deeply. Something had been wrong with Hermione lately. She had been on edge and very moody. One minute she would want something and then next she would want something totally different. He assumed it was stress. Stress always made Hermione look tired and gave her a craving for ice cream. This morning he found her sprawled out on the couch, chocolate chip on her chin, her hair a wild mess, her hand across her stomach. Her clothes were splattered near the middle with sauce from her attempt at dinner. Usually it was edible, but due to stress...

Ron still thought she looked beautiful.

Quietly, he made his way to the kitchen to cook her breakfast. He pulled out a box of instant pancakes (he never learned how to make them from scratch), some eggs, kippers, and bacon. As quietly as he could, Ron turned on the stove and set to work. He set to mixing the pancake mix, succeeding in keeping most of it in the bowl. He beat the eggs and seasoned them before pouring them into a hot pan. He spread the bacon out on another pan before sitting down, thinking.

What was wrong with Hermione lately? She was so out of it that Ron didn't know what to do. Was it really something from work or was it a family issue? Ron's eyes widened at the possibility of a confession from her to him. Maybe Hermione was...

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Ron was startled out of his reverie by the sound of the smoke detector going off. He looked around stupidly, trying to find the source of smoke before realizing the pancakes were burning. No, they were on fire.

"Oh, shit!"

He jumped up, attempting to put it out. Ron reached for his wand, but remembered that he left it on the nightstand.

"Damn it!"

A blast of cold water hit Ron in the back of the head before proceeding to put out the fire. A soaking Ron turned around and met the eyes of his beloved Hermione, hair disheveled, wand in hand, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes.

"Must you burn everything in sight?" Ron grinned.

"Just the pancakes." Hermione sighed, smiling.

"Well, I'd better get to it." So she set about helping Ron with breakfast. She laughed every time Ron attempted to say he was sorry with one of his little tricks. The most pleasurable was when his hands were massaging her shoulders.

"Ron, don't..."

"Don't what?" he asked, proceeding to rub her more sensuously. She groaned.

"Don't stop. I've been stressed all week because--" she stopped abruptly, realizing that she almost gave it away. She had been looking for the best way to tell him.

Ron noticed her discomfort. "Because...?" Hermione searched for a diversion.

"Because work has been so tiring lately. Constant research, you know," she fibbed. It was true, in a way. She had been researching things. Just not at work.

She could practically feel Ron's skeptical gaze on her back. She heard him sigh. "All right, love. If that's truly it." He walked to the fridge, looking for juice. He set it and two glasses on the table before walking out of the kitchen. "I'm going to take a shower. I'll be down quick."

"Ron?"

"Yeah?" she heard him call from the stairs.

"I'm pregnant."

CRASH!!!

~~~~~~~~~~

Ashley was back at work, greeting every patient with a smile on her face. Morale, she was told, was starting to increase because of special events for Healers and raises, so everyone had a little bounce in his or her step. She greeted Neville cheerfully, directing him to his parents' ward before she bumped into Adrian.

"Oh!"

"Hi." She didn't notice, but his smile was forced.

"I haven't seen you in a while. How have things been?"

"A little better now that you're back from Italy," he responded with an Italian accent. She laughed.

"That's good to know," she stated, making her way past him to the receptionist. He followed her.

"You've been different ever since you've been back, you know." She handed her clipboard over to Agnes, the reception witch for their floor, before turning to face him with a frown. A pang shot through his chest.

"How so?"

He swallowed the lump in his throat. "Well, you've been more cheerful lately. And you're always busy. I hardly ever see you anymore. I tried going to your apartment--"

"Oh, I live at Hermione's old place now. It's a lot bigger, let me tell you." She laughed, but stopped upon seeing his facial expression grow from friendly to upset.

"Normally you tell your friends something like that," he said. She rolled her eyes.

"I did. I told Jazmine, and then told her to tell you. Did she tell you?" He shook his head. She fought a grin. "Oh, well then you should have asked if anything was different. I can't read minds you know. Dumbledore (a lump threatened to form in her throat at the mention of the dearly departed headmaster, but she swallowed it) could, but I can't." She turned away, walking toward the elevator (newly installed by MuggleMovingWizards®) for lunch. Adrian grabbed her arm and stopped her.

"See, I wouldn't have had to ask you if you kept in touch," he said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

She let out a frustrated sigh. "You girl. I've been busy lately, and we could always talk here. And no one ever stopped you from sending an owl." She was getting upset, he could tell. She never liked to be taken away from the possibility of food ahead. But he had to know.

"But... I don't know. It's just that I feel like I'm losing you." He paused, before saying, "Who's the guy?"

She raised an eyebrow slightly, a half smile forming near the corner of her mouth. Her very kissable mouth. "No one you know personally."

"Do I know him?"

The doors slid open, and she stepped on the platform. "Maybe in a previous life." The doors shut before he could get a word in edgewise.

~~~~~~~~

"I heard all of that!"

Jazmine was walking in step with Ashley, practically jumping on her in the process. The two were dressed casually in Muggle clothes, ready to eat at their favorite place, The Platter. Ashley laughed at Jazmine's eagerness.

"What?"

"What went on between you and Adrian!" The two stopped, Ashley staring at Jazmine the whole time.

"First, nothing went on. Second, how could you here anything? You don't even work there anymore." Jazmine had moved on to another job at The Golden Sphinx as a waitress. The pay was better than expected, and there hadn't been a single slip-up yet.

"I heard through the elevator. They must be really cheap."

"Hurry up, I'm hungry."

"Let's talk inside then."

The girls entered, placing their orders before sitting in their usual booth by the window. Ashley sat with her arms crossed, partly because of her impatience, partly because it was cold. I could really use Harry's jacket right now, she thought, remembering the thick black one he always wore when it was cold. Hers, a white one, wasn't nearly as warm.

"Can't you have figured it out by now?"

Ashley was confused. "Figured out what?" Jazmine sighed, her hands reaching over to grasp her friend's.

"Look, I've known this for a while, but I've been sworn to secrecy. I know you're involved with someone, and don't think I don't know who you're with, because I do! Anyway, the point is, you couldn't be more blind if you got stabbed in the eyes with swords soaked in chlorine bleach." What a way with words.

"I still don't follow you," Ashley admitted, breaking open a sugar packet and swirling grains of sugar all over the table. Apparently, her hand was wet, because sugar stuck to her fingertips. She suddenly had an undeniable taste for ice cream.

"Are you even listening?" Ashley jumped. Jazmine was staring at her, a grin threatening to form on her face. She flipped her hair out of her eyes (she was trying to outgrow her bangs) and winked. "Thinking about someone special?"

"Actually, I was thinking of sugar, but I can see how those two are related."

Jazmine giggled. "Seriously, I am shocked you couldn't see if for yourself."

A waiter came by with two mugs of hot chocolate, one with whipped cream and one without. Ashley took hers, the one with whipped cream, and blew on it. Jazmine took hers in her hands, just holding it.

"Figure out what?" Ashley asked, leaning forward and taking a sip.

"That Adrian has been in love with you since we were 13. ARGH!"

Jazmine had screamed and jumped out of her seat on account that Ashley had sprayed her hot chocolate all over her.

~~~~~~

"Pregnant?"

Ron stood there, in his pajamas, staring at Hermione, who had just announced that she was pregnant with their first child. His first child.

Hermione was twirling her hair around her fingers, a telltale sign that she was pondering something deeply. She still looked tired, but happy all the same. "Yes. I found out a few days ago. I was wondering how to tell you, because, you know, we've only just got married and this is..." she trailed off, her eyes widening, her hair wound into a spring. "We've only just gotten married! I mean, it hasn't been 6 months yet and I'm already knocked up! What will our parents think? What will everyone think! What---What---oh, Ron!"

Hermione's rambling had been replaced with sobs that wracked her body. Ron hated seeing her like this, never knowing quite what to do. He decided to hold her close, rubbing small, soothing circles on her back.

"Hermione, love, it's okay." She clung to him for dear life.

"No. What will everyone think?"

"Hey." He tilted her chin up so he could look her in the eyes. "It shouldn't matter what everyone thinks. If anything, the only thing that matters is that we are married, in love, and about to bring a new life into this world, into a loving family. If anything," he said, "I should be the one crying. I had no idea my guys could swim that fast!"

She punched him on the arm, the first one that made him cry out in actual pain. Pregnancy hormones. "Oh, Ron. You're so good to me. I'm glad we're in this together." She kissed him. When they broke apart, Ron couldn't help it. He grinned.

"Well, actually, I have another child being born in Wales, so if you wouldn't mind scheduling your due date after September 16--" he laughed, because Hermione knocked him to the couch, laughing and holding her (now) flat stomach.

"I'm hungry Ron. Can we eat?" Ron stood up, taking hold of her hand and leading her into the kitchen. He planted a kiss on top of her bushy head, smiling.

"Of course, Mione. Anything for you two."

~~~~~~~

"Are you freaking serious?" Ashley exclaimed. In the bathroom, she whipped out her wand and dried Jazmine's clothes, Jazmine glaring the whole time. Now they were back in their seats, their lunches set out in front of them.

"I'm freaking serious, yes," Jazmine replied, ripping the crust off her toast.

"But this doesn't make sense. Were there any signs?" Ashley asked.

Jazmine munched on her toast, thinking. "Well," she finally said, "not really. Although lately, well, he has taken an interest as to what you've been doing lately. And he gets upset when I mention Ben or your new interest." She wiggled her eyebrows. Both knew it was more serious than that.

"Well, Ben's history, so that is a bit understandable... no, not really, no. And he doesn't even know that I'm involved with anyone. He's just guessing. I'm surprised you didn't tell him." Jazmine shrugged.

"I like to see him squirm."

"You're sadistic. I think that's why we're friends."

"Isn't it?" Jazmine replied. They laughed. Ashley slouched in her seat.

"Well, we both know I can't just drop Harry to try things with Adrian. I don't feel anything with him."

"Harry or Adrian?"

"You dumbass."

"Only kidding! Well, how are you going to tell Adrian?"

That Ashley didn't know.

~~~~~~~~~

Harry was lying on his couch, surfing through the channels. He was bored. It was Wednesday, and there was nothing to do. No extra papers to fill out, no one to meet, and no news... it was boring, that's what it was. Downright boring. He turned off the telly and put his arm over his eyes, hoping to catch some shut-eye. It would probably bring about some excitement.

He was close to dreamland when his phone rang. He fumbled about for it, allowing 5 rings to pass before he picked it up. "Hello?" he greeted, voice tired.

"Is it okay if I pop over there for a while?" It was Ashley.

He sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Sure. Is there anything--"

"Thanks," she answered, but it wasn't from the phone. She was standing in the doorway, wiping her feet and shutting off her cell phone. She grinned, walking toward the couch. Harry laughed.

"What if I said I was busy?"

"I would have popped over to see whom with, that's what," she answered teasingly, kissing him lightly before throwing herself on the couch. Her eyes were shut, but she knew Harry was gazing at her curiously. She smiled inwardly. At least he could tell she wanted to talk about something.

"What's wrong?" he finally asked. She sighed, feeling him shift closer.

"I found out a bit of frightful information today."

"Ron is actually Voldemort and he's been trying to get in Hermione's pants, so that's why they're 'married'?"

"Harry!" she cried, chucking a pillow at him. He caught it, laughing with her. "I'm serious."

"I'm not even going to start on that."

"Thank you. I found out that Adrian, my best friend for many years, has been..."

"Harboring feelings for you since you met?"

"Harboring...HEY! How did you know that?"

He shrugged. "Jazmine told me." Ashley rolled her eyes as if to say "Oh how did I know?"

"It doesn't bother you though, right?" she asked. He shook his head.

"Well, at first it did. I mean, come on, does any guy with half a brain enjoy another guy staring at his girlfriend? Which, by the way, he was constantly doing, even at school. But I don't think he'd do anything. I trust that you wouldn't go along with anything, anyway."

"Suppose he tried to make a move?"

"I'd hope you'd tell me so I could kick his arse and hold you and kiss you until you felt better." He pulled her into his lap, where she leaned against him, sighing peacefully.

"That's sweet."

"I know."

"Shut up."

"You know perfectly well it's not right to lead someone on, and I know you don't want to hurt him. It's going to be hard saying that to him--"

"I don't want to hurt him, Harry, he's one of my best friends. I'll lose my lunch before I say something that depressing," she admitted wearily. "No one wants to be rejected." Harry grasped both of her hands in his, a look of concern and caring on his face as he gazed at her.

"I'll be there if you want me to. I know that it won't be easy. Remember, I'm your support." She smiled up at him. "Look, if you don't feel anything for him, you should tell him straight off. I think the reason he's felt that way for so long is because he's waiting for an opportunity. You have to tell him that there isn't one."

"But what if there is?" she asked cheekily.

"I never learned to share, so that won't be an issue." She laughed, smacking him on the arm.

"You're such an idiot." He chuckled deeply, a rumble she heard through his chest. She loved hearing it.

"An idiot you happen to adore," he pointed out, tapping her nose.

"Well, that's fate, not choice, you know," she retorted, pulling his hair softly. He responded by hugging her even closer with one arm and putting his hand on behind her neck with the other. Her spot.

"Fate has the right idea, I think," he whispered, closing the gap between their faces. She heartily agreed.

They broke apart reluctantly when an owl tapped at the window. Ashley left Harry's lap (not without a fight) to open the window and allow the owl to fly in. Harry tossed it a treat before it flew back out. Ashley resumed her position on Harry's lap, reading the letter. He laid his chin on her shoulder.

"What does it say?"

"Oh my God, listen to this:

Dear Harry,

I have the most exciting news, and I just couldn't wait to tell you. Admittedly it took a while for me to tell Ron, but you know why. He's just so unpredictable. Well, enough of idle chatter and on to the real news. I'm--"

"Pregnant! HERMIONE'S PREGNANT, MATE! I'm going to be a father! You're going to be an uncle! I AM GOING TO BE A FATHER!!!"

"Let me guess: Hermione's pregnant?" Harry asked sarcastically. She tapped his nose with the parchment.

"It's like you have ESPN or something," she said. Harry looked at her funny before he grinned.

"Of all the idiotic things to come out of your mouth, I say, that was the worst. When did you stop thinking to realize it was ESP, not ESPN?"

"Shut up," she said, laughing.

Ron came barging toward them, glee written all over his face. He was like a child on Christmas Day, bouncing up and down, his shocking red hair flying everywhere.

"Can you believe I'm going to be a dad?" he asked them both, grinning madly.

"The world has gone mad," Ashley remarked. "Maybe Harry and I should have a baby to balance things out. What do you think, Harry?"

"Sounds good. Let's start later, though, I'm tired."

Ron laughed. "Ha, ha, you two. It's not like you two are even together, so...wait..." Ron glanced between the two of them: Ashley in Harry's lap and his hand on her thigh. The expression on his face was that of shock. Ashley laughed. It was like that time when she told him that even spiders had the ability to fly and could jump if he tried to flick one away. That was a priceless child memory.

"You mean...?"

"Yes."

"All this time?"

"Well, since January."

"About time."

"Tell that to her."

"Harry!" Ashley exclaimed. He held up his hands in defense. "Can we just let that go?"

"Not if we're to have children, we can't," he exclaimed in mock outrage. She couldn't help it; she laughed harder.

"Moving on," she said, elbowing him in the side. He feigned coughing and collapsed on the couch, bringing Ron to laugh, too. "So you're not impotent?" she was answered with a pillow in the face from both Ron and Harry.

"Okay, I understand why Ron hit me, poorly I might add," she said, meeting his mock glare, "but why did you hit me? I thought we were like this?" she asked innocently, crossing her fingers for demonstration. Harry wagged a finger in her face.

"Don't mention impotence on the night of our child's--"

Harry was met with two pillows in the face, thus starting the ultimate war. After many minutes of battle, all sides were collapsed on the sofa, tired. Ron struggled to catch his breath.

"I'm going to take off. Hermione probably wants me to get her some more ice cream." He rose, heading towards the fireplace. "Later, you two, and don't do anything I would do."

"Yes, because we soooo wanted to play chess all night." Ron stuck his tongue out at Ashley before he disappeared in a whirl of green flame. She turned to Harry, who was still a bit red in the face.

"Our child's conception?" she quoted, grinning. He laughed.

"It's nice to see Ron get angry over something stupid. Does he honestly think that I would tell him if I was planning something like that with you? You were supposed to go along with it, you know," he explained, his hand gesturing towards her.

She got up, making her way to him, her legs weak from taking hits. She collapsed on top of him, meeting him eye to eye.

"Really? Pray tell, how was I supposed to go along with it?" she asked, adjusting herself so she was straddling him. He grabbed hold of her legs, wrapping them around him firmly.

"Well, you have to follow the steps because if you don't everything goes wrong," he stated matter-of-factly. She grinned, her forehead touching his.

"What's the first step?" she whispered. He pulled her face to his.

"This is." The kiss was gentle at first, but, at the request of Harry's tongue, Ashley allowed him access to her mouth. He kissed her harder, his body tensing up as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She moaned and giggled as he responded, tickling her side.

"That's cheating."

"Is it?" he asked innocently, his hands in her hair.

Well, she decided, I suppose that's okay.

After what seemed like hours, she glanced at her watch and rose. "I should go. I don't want to be late for work." She jerked back upon Harry tugging at her shirt.

"Why don't you stay here?" he asked. Oh, how she wanted to. She hated going home after such a lovely time with Harry. Even if she flooed, lazy as she was, she didn't like wasting all that time. But it wouldn't be right.

"No. I mean, I don't have any pajamas."

"You could always conjure some," he answered. True.

"I'd sleep late."

"Not the way I sleep."

"Oh, yeah. Where would I sleep?"

"You'll take the bed and I'll get the couch." No, that definitely wouldn't be right. Wouldn't be an issue if you two were, you know... she heard her inner spark say. I don't need any reminders, she replied hotly.

"No. Why don't we both take the bed?" she suggested, wiggling her eyebrows. He laughed.

"You're a kinky witch." She winked at him and smiled suggestively.

"Just because we're not doing anything doesn't mean I don't visualize. By the way, you're always fantastic," she purred, making her way to the bathroom. She locked the door before he could come in after her.

~~~~~~~~~

"Ah, so that's why you didn't tell me, eh?"

Hermione groaned sleepily. Ron had returned (with loads of chocolate chip ice cream and marmalade) from Harry's flat with news of his reconciliation with Ashley. Hermione responded by saying she already knew. Now he wouldn't let up.

"What?"

"Were you trying to do that thing where you mention something really bad to take pressure off of what you're really trying to admit? You know I wouldn't object to a baby, Hermione." Hermione sighed.

"Ron," she began, agitated, "I would never do that in a case like this. That wasn't even bad news. I was just having a little fun by hanging this over your head. Nothing more. I hadn't found out about the baby since barely a week ago. I've known about Harry and Ashley for a long time now, so GO TO SLEEP." She rearranged herself and pulled the sheets tighter. Her hormones made her attitude unpredictable. She thought she finally had peace when Ron spoke again. She resisted covering her ears with her pillow.

"How long have you known about them? When did you find out?" All of a sudden Hermione's mood changed to one of slyness.

"Well, remember that day when we went to visit Harry after our honeymoon and he had just come out of the shower?" Ron nodded, though he doubted she could see it. "Well, I didn't think he was alone..."

She had to use all her strength to keep Ron pinned to the bed.

~~~~~~~~~

She was lying on her side peacefully. Her chest rose and fell with steady breathing. Her hair had crawled out of her low ponytail and onto her pillow, creating a black halo around her head. A smile was on her face, and Harry didn't want to wake her up, but it was nearing 7:30, and he knew she had to be at work at 8:30 now. She turned over to her other side, her back facing him. His hand traced a trail down her side, making her shift in her sleep.

7:29. It was definitely time to get up. He edged toward her carefully, his arm around her waist. He kissed her neck and she sighed, turning her head to see what had woken her up. She smiled when she met the sight of green eyes, messy hair and faint morning stubble.

"What time is it?" she asked, voice hoarse from sleep.

"7:30." She stretched out, pulling the covers tighter over her body.

"I don't want to go to school today," she whined. Harry chuckled and pulled the sheets off of them. The sudden blast of cold air hit them like a rock. She snuggled closer to him. Not that he minded, of course, but she didn't like to be late for work. "Why did they change my hours?"

He rubbed her stomach. "Because they need you over there. You're the best they have."

"You're even sweeter in the morning, did you know that?" she asked, grinning slightly.

"Well, I am waking up next to you," he said, kissing her shoulder.

"See what you're doing? Now I want to stay all day," she said, adjusting her pajama bottoms. He smacked her thigh, and she yelped.

"You know you have to get up."

"Tired of me, are you?"

"If you stay here one minute longer, I won't let you leave."

"That's what I'm aiming for." Harry feigned annoyance and moved her toward the edge of the bed.

"I had to get up early to get you up."

"I didn't ask you to stay. You invited me."

"You didn't have to accept."

"I know you wanted me."

"Still do. Now get up before pin you to the bed and do naughty things to you. Which, I'll have you know, I had to stop myself from doing last night."

I wouldn't have stopped you, she thought to herself. But Harry didn't need to know that now. Not yet, anyway.

She pouted. "Can I at least get a kiss before I have to go out into the cruel world?" He smiled, placing a chaste kiss on her lip. She frowned. "What kind of kiss was that?"

"The kind you get before I brush my teeth. Now get up!" She jumped out of bed and headed toward the bathroom. Harry sat up, rubbing his eyes. That was the best rest he had had in a long time.

~~~~~~~~~~

"See now, you're being too nice. You didn't have to take me to work," Ashley said. Harry was now leading her to her floor. Some people stopped to stare and whisper. Others simply looked at them, smiled, and moved on.

"It's my day off anyway," he said. She turned to him, mock exasperation on her face.

"Bring me down, why don't you?" she cried, throwing her hands in the air for dramatic effect. He pulled her to him and whispered in her ear:

"Don't give me ideas." She blushed scarlet, her heart rate rising and her desire raging. Harry always did that to her. In a way, she hoped that she did the same to him. Partly because they had to be even, and partly because it would be nice to have an effect like that on someone. As far as she knew, she hadn't done anything for anyone.

"So I'll see you later then?" he asked, bringing her out of her thoughts. She smiled at him, nodding.

"Can't wait for my surprise. What is it?" He shook his head, only kissing her before he took off. "I hate surprises. Especially when I don't know what they are," she told Agnes. Agnes grinned.

"Nice catch, that guy."

"Yeah, well, nice ass." They laughed before Agnes handed her the duties for today.

"Oh, I wish David would give me a surprise once in a while," Agnes stated wistfully. David, her boyfriend of five years, had been a little distant with Agnes lately. Of course, everyone around knew why: he was planning his proposal, and it was going to be extravagant.

"Don't worry. Trust me, something 'wicked' this way comes," Ashley hinted, winking at Agnes. Agnes smiled and blushed in anticipation before waving Ashley off.

Ashley let out a breath of contentment. She felt so good today, and no doubt it was because of Harry. They talked and laughed about everything before finally going to bed. She had conjured some blue pajamas with little froggies on them. She had to smack Harry quite a few times to stop his snickering. She retorted by saying, "Don't think I don't know what pattern your boxers have, Mr. Potter, Snitch lover."

That made sleeping quite a difficult struggle, as they constantly poked and attacked each other.

And waking up with him... Oh, it was bliss. She loved waking up to his warm breath on her neck. His voice was just so sexy in the morning...that look in his eyes gave everything away...all he had to do was say it, tell her to sleep in, and she would have stayed there with him in a heartbeat...she might go so far as to say she would have done more...

"That was certainly an interesting display, wasn't it?" She turned on her heel and found herself face to face with Adrian, the reason she was at Harry's in the first place. She should thank him...oh, no. That wouldn't be good. This wasn't going to be good. She could see the hurt and anger in his eyes.

"Adrian, let me explain..." but he would hear none of that.

"No, you let ME explain. I have waited, sat by and just waited, for you to realize how I feel. I have watched you go through guy after guy and problem after problem, hoping you would realize that I would always comfort you, that I would always love you. I have been waiting for the right time to ask you out, and I find out, not from you or Jazmine, by the way, but by just walking by, that you have acclaimed yourself with Harry FREAKING POTTER ONCE MORE!"

"Adrian, calm down. This is a hospital," Ashley admonished, her temper also rising.

"No, I mean, why should I say how I feel? I've only been in love with you for the last decade and you've never even considered me as an option." Silence. "Okay, you're supposed to say 'I did consider you, but I thought that you didn't feel the same way, so I went with Harry again.'"

"I would say that, but I don't like lying to you." Now she did it.

"ARGH! You know, I'm tired of this. Did you like having this over my head? Did you like playing with me all these years?" At her shocked expression, he laughed bitterly. "Oh, yeah, you may not realize it but you were messing with my mind. Every time you asked an opinion on what you wore, how you did your hair for a special occasion, or how to deal with a guy, it was a knife in my heart every time I helped you. Why? Because I wanted you to be happy until you realized that happiness was always in front of you all along!"

"Adrian, not once have I thought of you that way!"

"No, you're too busy trying to bed Harry Potter to think of me that way!" People gasped. Ashley felt tears of anger sting her eyes. This was her dearest friend saying those hurtful things. Bed Harry Potter? Sweet Merlin, she wished!

"First, of all," she began, her voice dangerously low. He stood there, rigid. "First of all, I have never tried to bed anyone. And the fact that you would say something like that hurts me, and makes me wonder if you really 'love' me. Second of all, I never felt that way about you because I've never been attracted to you. Never in all of our years of friendship. Accept that. Third, I will only be with whom I chose to be with. You are not even an option, because not only do I despise looking at you right now, but I am in a relationship with Harry."

Silence followed her deceivingly calm tirade, but she saw many women in the background smile for encouragement. Maybe Jazmine had made more friends than expected.

"No, you've tried it once before."

"And I'm trying again because we made mistakes last time. Things are better now."

"You didn't love him them and you don't love him now."

"Who are you to tell me that?"

He stared at her, shock written all over his face. Did she just admit that ... Did she really? Without warning, he pulled her close and kissed her on the mouth. She froze, scared. She didn't like it at all, and all she wanted to do was leave, or hit him, or something. She never thought he would go that far. What would she do? What would she say?

What would Harry do? Would she tell him?

Everything seemed to happen in slow motion. She felt her face contort in disgust. She felt his tongue trying to enter her mouth. She felt a force pull him away from her...