Interloping Enticement

    Life is always a little different after you kiss your best friend, and spend a wonderful night laying with him in your bed, waking up in his arms, wishing the feeling would never go away. Or so I assume. Well... mine was different, at least.

    For me, the confusion cleared up for the most part. I was extremely content. I felt complete at last. I was just so much happier than I’d been, ever. There was nothing better than walking down the hallways with Harry, sharing special looks with Harry, knowing that we both have an incredible secret that no one else knew.

    People wondered what the sudden elation in our lives was, I’m sure. Why we had a sudden spring in our step and sparkle in our eyes. It was simply delicious, all the inquiring looks I received.

    Or maybe I’m embellishing. I tend to do that a lot.

    But I digress.

    Harry, Hermione, and I were all hanging out one evening in a corridor that we knew no one ever went down. We had found this place last year. It was a big, enjoyable spot where we could try out silly new spells, and talk about things openly that we didn’t want anyone else to hear. It was a great escape from reality.

    “Ron,” said Hermione, as she was reading a book of spells, “would you let me try this spell out on you?”    

    “Yeah, that depends, Mione. What exactly kind of a spell is it?” I asked warily. One time she’d asked me this, and I had ended up with fur all over my body.

    “Well, it’s a Lustour Charm. It makes it so that whoever the charm in cast on, is infatuated with the person who cast it for however long they say.” She grinned airily. “Just for fun.”

    Harry looked amused, but I made a face. “That’s stupid. What if it never wore off? I’d be following you around for the rest of your life.”

    “I’ll risk it,” said Harry. “But just for ten minutes, okay? I have a feeling I’ll be making an ass out of myself, and ten minutes is my limit for something like that.”

    I made another face. Did I really want to watch Harry fawn over Hermione for a whole ten minutes? I knew it was just a spell, but honestly... what were Hermione’s intentions? And why was Harry agreeing to it so willingly? I couldn’t really put up a stink about it, because Hermione didn’t know that Harry and I were “together”, but then again, no one did. Ah, confusion.

    “Alright, ten minutes it is,” said Hermione gleefully. “Now let me see... I have to do this exactly right. Pronunciation is everything.”

    Harry rolled his eyes and looked at me. I smiled weakly back.

    “Decem Minutum Lustourious!” cried Hermione, and a little gold spark shot out of the tip of her wand and hit Harry between the eyes. Harry stumbled a little, shook his head, straightened his glasses, and blinked a few times. He had a strange trance-look in his eyes. He looked at me, then saw Hermione, and his eyes lit up as he rushed over to her and kissed her hand.

    Oh dear God.

    “Hermione, I just think you should know how amazingly talented and gorgeous you are. That’s right. You are smart, witty, funny, sexy, and amazingly beautiful. Words do you no justice. You are too alluring for me to describe you.” Harry kneeled on the ground and gazed up at her lovingly.

    “I could definitely get used to this!!” said Hermione, giggling like crazy. “Tell me more, Harry dear.”

    “Oh, Mione. I would kiss the ground you walk upon. I would climb the highest mountain for you, if I thought it might please you even a tiny bit. I would be your everything, if you would just consider having me. And if you do consider this at all, then hold on to that! Don’t excuse the thought right away, because if there is some hesitation, then it means that you adore me too.” Harry stood up, and took her in his arms. She laughed with delight.

    I, however, felt like I was going to vomit.

    Alright, sure. It was just a spell. But still, it was killing me. He was MY Harry, my infatuation. He wanted me without any spell. I looked away from them and grumbled.

    “Ron, are you sure you don’t want to join in on the fun? Look what you could be doing!” Hermione gestured to Harry, who was nibbling her neck.

    Fun. Right. Whatever. I knew it wasn’t her fault, because she didn’t even know that what she was doing was hurting me, but I had to end it. It was all too much.

    I quietly pulled my wand out of my pocket, made sure Hermione wasn’t watching, pointed my wand at Harry, and whispered, “Finite Incantatem.”

    The dazed look in Harry’s eyes left, and they returned to their usual brilliant green. He was holding Hermione in his arms, and nibbling her earlobe when I had zapped him out of it. He looked at her questionably. “What the hell am I doing? Why are we so close? Did you put a spell on me?! Aw, Jesus.” He let go of her and scratched his head.

    Hermione was giggling uncontrollably. “Well, at least we know the Lustour charm works!”

    Harry still looked incredibly confused. “I think I’m going to head to bed. Um, see you guys later or something,” said Harry, as he clumsily walked away, muttering. I frowned. I hoped he wasn’t mad.

    “What a party pooper,” said Hermione, still chuckling to herself. “I just thought that would be a bit of fun, and it was. I obviously forgot to read the after-effects of it.” She read out loud, “‘Subject becomes disoriented and disgruntled. Longs for sleep, and to be alone. Not to be used in jest.’” She shrugged. “Oh well. It’s not dangerous or anything. Besides, Harry gets grumpy all the time.” She smiled at me.

    I forced a smile back and slid down the wall I was leaning against till I was slouching against it with my feet straight out forward. Hermione came to sit next to me.

    I suddenly became very aware that we were completely alone. I sighed. Maybe I should tell her about Harry and me?

    “Mione,” I said, at the same time, she said, “Ron?”

    We both looked at each other and laughed. “Ladies first,” I said grandly (and cowardly). She crinkled her nose a bit and took a breath. What could possibly be on her mind?

    “Ron,” she started, playing with a loose strand of hair that had fallen out of her hair elastic, “the reason I wanted to cast that charm on you should be obvious.”

    Huh?

    I was very confused. Even though I had been questioning it in my head earlier, I knew deep down that we always only cast those kinds of charms on each other to get a few laughs. I almost didn’t want there to be any other reason. Hermione must have seen the dumbfounded look on my face.

    “I guess I should explain myself a little more,” Hermione went on. “I wanted to cast that charm on you tonight, because I wanted to know what it would be like to be completely adored by you. I guess it’s no secret that my feelings for you go deeper than friendship.” She looked at the floor.

    I panicked. I knew she might have had a crush on me a few years ago, but I had no idea that it still existed. All thoughts of Harry flew out of my head. I was just so confused by this whole thing. Why did she have to go and tell me this?!

    “Ron?” She looked up and into my eyes, her face framed by the wavering candle light from the wall hangings. She looked so small, so beautiful, so pure. The last thing I wanted was for her to be hurt. I will admit that I did once have a very large thing for her, and it lasted a long time. But I forgot about it because I figured nothing would ever come of it!

    “Actually,” I said slowly, “it’s news to me. I had no idea, Mione.”

    Well, it was the truth.

    “I just think you’re amazing, Ron. I realize that it makes more sense for me to be in love with Harry. You know... the hero should get the girl. But I don’t look at him as the true hero, Ron. I see you as the true hero. The amazing one. I admire so much how you are always there for us, always offering a sincere smile when things are looking impossible. You’re the underlying hope in a world of peril.” She looked at the ground again, and then at me. Those eyes... they were so warm and serene, like a placid lake on a summer’s eve.

    “Wow, Hermione,” I started. “I could never thank you enough for those extremely kind words. You know I think the world of you.” But right there, I got stuck. What else do I say? Mental images of Harry up in his room came flooding back into my mind. I missed him so much, but Mione was sitting here, pouring her very soul out to me.

    “Yeah...” she said. “I don’t mean to startle you, Ron, or make you uncomfortable. I’ve just been harboring these feelings for such a long time now, they’re not as easy to ignore as they were earlier. Earlier I could pass it off as a silly, schoolgirl crush.”

    I had to know. “And now...?”

    She sighed. “Honestly? I am completely head over heels in love with you, Ron. I’m sure of it. And it makes me miserable.”

    I was shocked, to say the very least. And even though I didn’t say anything or do anything at that point, I felt so guilty. I knew Harry was up in the room, possibly waiting for me. I was dying to go up and join him. I couldn’t wait to be in his arms once more. But I had to deal with this.

    I looked at the ceiling for help. What could I say that wouldn’t hurt this already hurt girl? I improvised. “Listen Hermione, I love you too. But the way I love you,-...“

    ”-is only a friendly way, I know. I more or less expected this, Ron.” A single tear ran down her pretty little face. “I don’t know what I expected to happen. I hoped I would get to talk to you before Harry was able to.”

    “What about Harry?” I said without thinking. Oh, man.

    She looked at me with pained eyes. “Harry told me right when the year started that he had ‘feelings’ for you, feelings that made him confused. Feelings that felt more than friendly. For whatever reason, I felt like I had sudden competition when he divulged this information to me. I knew there was never a chance you would act on his feelings, but I just felt a certain air of competition.”

    I blushed when she said the last part. How could she be so sure about that? Well, I suppose to the naked eye, I’m not exactly the token homosexual boy, if I really had to put a label on things. I shook it off. That was not the issue at that moment.

    I took Hermione in my arms and hugged her. I wanted her to be happy, I wanted her to have no worries. I wanted her to feel no pain, because I did love her. I loved her with all my heart. She was one of my two very best friends, and I never wanted to see either one in any state of pain. I felt like the spawn of all her pain was me. Well, at least it wasn’t some other bastard. At least I was the bastard, in control of the situation, and I could comfort her.

    “Ron, I’m so sorry. I had to tell you, you don’t understand what it’s like to hold feelings like that in for so long.” Her voice sounded muffled against my robes. “I couldn’t hold it in any longer. You have no idea...” I felt her crying softly.

    Aye, but I did have an idea of what it feels like to hold in such feelings. I had a very clear idea. But how could I break it to the delicate, sobbing girl in my arms that I knew the feeling so well? She would surely ask me how I knew, and then I would be completely exposed.

    I kissed her forehead. Warm... and soft. She stopped her tears for a second, and looked up at me. I stroked her hair and kissed her again, this time on the cheek, dangerously close to her lips. She closed her eyes, and kissed me on my lips, softly and tenderly. I returned the kiss, draping my arm around her back and placing my other hand on the back of her head. Her hair was so soft, like a river of satiny waves. She arranged herself so that our legs were somewhat entangled, and my back was against the wall. Her hands caressed my robes over my chest, and fingered the buttons on it. I felt her bite my lower lip. Damnit, this was good.

    I pulled her onto my lap, placing my hands firmly on her rear as I moved her. She had managed to unbutton my robes, and was now kissing my neck ever so gently. I placed my hands on her breast area, exploring carefully. I moaned as she hit a particular spot on my neck that felt rather good. My moan startled the both of us. We hadn’t been aware of anything but each other until that moment. We suddenly realized that we were indeed still in a public corridor, and even though no one ever came there, we still could potentially get caught.

    I leaned against the wall, breathing heavily. Mione got off my lap and sat across from me, leaning against the wall on her side. We looked at each other.

    “I’m sorry,” we both said. A bashful smile played on her lips as she straightened her hair and robes. I casually buttoned my robes back up.

    “Nothing to be sorry about,” I said quietly. Though I had everything to be sorry about. How could I have given into temptation so quickly and irresponsibly? What had I done, how would I break this to Harry?

    “But I really am,” said Hermione. “I was vulnerable, and I saw what I wanted... so I went after it.” She let out a long breath.

    “Umm... look, it’s fine, Mione. If I wanted to stop you, I could have. Trust me,” I added, seeing the doubt in her eyes.

    “Well, we certainly have never done that with each other,” she stated, shaking her head and chuckling a little. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back on the wall. “That was completely out of character for me. Completely irrational, illogical, spontaneous.”

    “It happens. At least we know you really are human now,” I nudged her foot with mine. We shared a smile.

    “So... what now?”

    It was my turn to sigh. That really was a good question. What now, Ron? Huh? What now, now that you’ve cheated on your Harry, potentially wierded-up a relationship with Hermione, and would have your conscience kicking you in the bum for a long time to come?

    I spoke the truth. “I don’t know, Mione. I really don’t know.”

    She nodded. “At least we’re on the same page.”

    We heard feet plodding down the corridor. I looked at Hermione and she shrugged. We sat without moving a muscle until the footsteps became closer... closer... until Harry turned the corner and greeted us with a smile.

    “Hey, guys. I know I said I was going to bed, but once I got up to my bed and into my bedclothes, I definitely wasn’t any sort of tired. In fact... I don’t really know why I went up there in the first place. But Neville and Seamus were up there, and I gave them attitude for some reason.” He shrugged and scratched his head.

    I couldn’t have been happier to see him. I wanted to run up to him and hug him, kiss him, whisper how much I missed him into his sweet, perfect ear.

    But... Oh yeah, Hermione had just told me she was in love with me, she knew Harry had a thing for me, and we had just made out in a very large way.

    How could I forget? What a mess.

    Hermione and I both stood up and straightened our clothes. Did we look suspicious? No. Good thing people can’t read minds.

    I felt like a piece of shit.

    “I should apologize to you, Harry. When I did that charm on you, I didn’t read the fine print. Apparently it makes you all grumpy and tired.” Hermione smiled at him weakly. “Oops.”

    “Charm? I don’t even remember a bloody charm.” Harry shrugged and flashed a winning smile at her.

    I faked a yawn. “You two may be wide awake, but some of us require sleep to function as normal beings. I’m heading to bed.” I gave Harry a meaningful look, hoping he would catch on.

    “Me too. Actually, I have some extra credit left over for Potions to do... and I have to sign some Prefect paperwork! Oh, and I have to send an owl to the Ministry of Magic, asking about special arrangements for the Yule Ball this year. Oh, and there’s the library...” Hermione stifled a yawn (a real one). “I guess I still have loads of work to do. ‘Night, boys.”

    She smiled at us, giving me an especially long smile, and spun around to walk away. I felt bad for her. I felt bad because she had so much work, and because I had just led her on. Was I always this much of a jerk?

    I felt Harry’s hand on my back. I felt his warm, steady breathing on my neck. I heard his low, raspy voice in my ear.

    “You want to go up to our room, Ron?”

    I turned around so that I was facing him. Ah, he was more beautiful then ever. The candle light made him seem so bold, so alluring. I took him in my arms and smiled genuinely, sincerely happy to be with him at long last. “I do. But let’s take the long, secret way back, alright?”

    “Alright,” he agreed wholeheartedly. I kissed him gently on his moist lips.

    The three of us had once found a very secret route back to the Gryffindor Wing one evening. We were trying to avoid Peeves, Filch, Snape, or McGonnagal. Either one could be equally as dangerous. So we found this one turn. It was as inconspicuous as a common tree in a forest. It was Harry, the Seeker, who had seen it. It was a great find. The halls that it leads through look as though no one had been in them for years, but yet, they weren’t unkempt. They were pleasantly calm and solitary. One hall was made of glittering crystal, and the moonlight bounced off the glass perfectly, making the room a beautiful hue of pale midnight blue. It had blue satin cushions trimmed with silver lining placed about, and several intricate telescopes in the corners of the hallway. We often went there to stargaze. Another hallway looked like it used to be a grand thing, it had red velvet drapes and glimmering golden wall moldings. It was a very neat way to walk back to your Wing.

    Harry and I set off through the inconspicuous door. It always amazed me how we walked by it so many times, and never noticed it. It seemed so apparent now.

    I laced my fingers through his, and we walked closely, side by side, slowly. He rested his head against my shoulder. I shivered. He was such a sweet being.

    “I missed you today,” I heard him say. His voice was barely above a whisper. It was sexy as hell.

    “I missed you too. Even though we were together in class all day... it doesn’t even compare to when we are finally alone.” I kissed the top of his head and squeezed his hand a little tighter. It was perfect.

    And yet, I felt so guilty that I felt like a might vomit. I had to tell him. It was all harmless. I didn’t feel anything. In fact, it made me realize that I loved him even more. It shouldn’t be a problem...

    ...right?

    I cleared my throat. Harry slowed his pace a bit. He knew that when I clear my throat like that, it means I have something of importance to say.

    I took a breath. How to say this? “Harry, I have a confession, and I’m not sure how you’re going to react.”

    I saw a look of alarm in his eyes. We were standing still now. I saw him swallow deeply and bite his lower lip. “Go on...”

    “It’s Hermione. She told me she loved me tonight after you left. And then... Oh Harry, and then we kissed. I honestly don’t know why I did it, or why I went along so willingly. I knew I could never return the feelings she had for me, but I guess I just needed to confirm that. If this makes any sense at all, I had to kiss her to clarify what I felt for you.” I lowered my head a little. “I’m... I’m so sorry, Harry. I feel terrible.”

    I lifted my head ever so slightly to look at his face. To my surprise, his face had relaxed, and he had a look of understanding on his face (I think).

    “While that is shocking news to me, and while it does make me upset... I honestly can’t say that I didn’t expect it and it surprises me. I knew Mione had a thing for you. It’s common knowledge, Ron.” Harry smiled faintly. “I wasn’t worried about it, but you just told me this information, and now I’m a little paranoid. I don’t really know what to think.” He sighed shakily. “I’m scared.”

    I saw a single tear run down his cheek. My chest tightened. How could I have done this?

    “Harry, it meant nothing. I know that is the most clichéd thing I could say, but I mean it with all my heart. If I felt anything at all, then it was just a reminder of how much I care for you, and how much I only want to be with you. You’re the only one, Harry. The only one I want to spend my time with. The only one I want to give my heart to. Only you.”

    Harry looked around and pondered this for a few moments. It seemed an eternity.

    He looked up into my eyes, and stroked my face gently with his fingers. “I forgive you, Ron, because I know you would never do anything to hurt me. I forgive you.”

    What sweet words. I yelled for joy inwardly, but outwardly I just grinned at him, and kissed his fingers as a silent thank you. I caught the tear on his cheek with my finger, and kissed him on the lips. How could I have ever kissed any lips but his?

    We continued walking slowly. We talked about the day’s events. We discussed what was in store for tomorrow. It was light chatter to smooth over the heavy subject from before.

    “I have Quidditch practice tomorrow at 7:30 am. I really think I’m beginning to turn into Oliver Wood in my older years,” chuckled Harry softly. “But he led us to many a great victory, so it could be very much worse. I think that - Oh...”

    We stopped in our tracks and gaped at the scene before us. We had reached the crystal hallway. It was... well, there are no words that could describe it’s splendor. It seemed that the moon was especially bright that night, as if singing a proud song of it’s greatness. All the stars were out too, twinkling, a great compliment to the brilliance of the moon’s majesty. I was breathless. The entire room was glittering blue and silver.

    Harry stepped forward and gazed out the magnificent crystal windows. He searched the sky for a minute, closed his eyes tight, and mouthed a silent sentence to himself.

    I walked up behind him and put my arms around his waist. He turned his head towards me and smiled, his green eyes radiant in the mystique of the moonlight and starlight. He looked enchanting, excited, completely intoxicating.

    I was in love with him, so much more in love than I had ever dreamed possible, and I wanted him to know it.

    “I just made a wish on a star,” said Harry softly.

    “I figured as much, “ I said, smiling. “Anything good? Do you think it will come true?”

    “No doubt in my mind.” Harry turned around and faced me, his eyes seeking me, exploring me. He placed a hand behind my head and kissed me long and hard, moving his other hand, up and down my back. I stroked the side of his face with my hand and let my other hand slide down to his rear. We were wrapped up in each other, letting all primal instincts take over. I wanted him there, then. I knew it wasn’t possible, but oh, a boy can dream, can’t he?

    He moved his lips over to my ear and began nibbling my earlobe, enticing me with his tongue. He ever so gently flickered his sweet, warm tongue down my neck. I moaned in pure rapture. I moved my hand around to his front and slid my hand up past his robes and under his shirt until I felt his warm, soft skin. I caressed it, only wishing there weren’t so many layers of clothing between us. He pulled away, gasping for breath.

    We leaned on each other for support. We finally just embraced each other, sweat and all, and gazed up at the stars. I looked around for the nearest cushion and scooted us over to it.

    I’m taller than Harry, so I had down in it first, and Harry sat between my legs, leaning against my chest. We fit nicely together, I could never help noticing. Perfectly. I stroked his hair and he traced the lines of my other hand with his long, slender fingers. I got chills, just at his very touch.

    He shifted a little so that our faces were near each other. I kissed his lips, and then nuzzled his nose. He smiled at me winsomely and said, “Guess what?”

    He was so cute. “What?”

    “I love you.”

    My breath caught in my throat and I felt a tear building up in my eye. I held him as tightly as I could and we shared a long, passionate kiss. After that, I just looked at him for a few moments, taking in all the beauty and perfection that was him.

    “Harry, I don’t think it’s possible for me to love you any more than I do,” I told him sincerely. “I truly love you, too.”

    His eyes lit up. And because his eyes lit up, my heart lit up. I sighed happily and eased back into the cushion, and Harry resumed his position of leaning against me again.

    “So is that it,” asked Harry, “does that mean we’re a thing?”

    “Harry, “ I whispered, “we’re everything.”

    And we spent the night, just gazing into the stars, gazing into forever.