Day by Day

DAY BY DAY

By Lady Jane

Chapter Fifteen: "The One Where Ron Asks Luna Something, Malfoy Asks Ginny Something And Harry & Hermione DO Something"

Tuesday Night

Neville, with Ben's help, managed to get a respectable amount of the necessary paperwork done, both of them going home shortly after midnight. Jugson and Mulcher had been taken to St Mungo's and Neville had received a report that they'd suffered no permanent damage which, as far as he was concerned, meant it wouldn't be long before they could be charged, tried and sent to Azkaban. Malfoy had declined treatment saying he'd only fallen and bruised his arm as he'd dived sideways out of the way of one of the Stunning Spells that had bounced off Jugson. He'd gone back to Neville's office with him where he'd had his broom returned and was released, with a warning from Neville to "stay local".

'I'll need you back here tomorrow to get a full statement from you for the records, Malfoy. Is ten a.m. all right for you?' Neville asked him

Malfoy had nodded and left.

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Luna had gone back to Ron's flat with him, neither of them wanting to be alone that night. As they lay in bed, talking over the events of that night, Ron suddenly pushed himself up onto his elbow and looked down at Luna whose features were just discernable in the last of the moonlight streaming through the window.

Ron smoothed the hair from her forehead with his free hand and bent down to kiss her very gently on the lips. 'This is so good, Luna - having you here, talking with you.' He swallowed nervously. 'You know, it's only been a few months, but I've never felt like this about any girl before, not ever. And well, I've been thinking and I just wanted to say, I mean, I wanted to ask - that is, would-you-consider-moving-in-with-me?' he finished in a nervous rush. He could see her eyes widen as she stared up at him, speechless.

'Luna! Please! I'm dying here - yes or no?'

A slow smile spread over her face. 'I will definitely consider it, Ronald.'

Ron made a strangled noise, unable to speak, utter consternation on his face.

She laughed softly at his expression. 'Oh, Ron, I'm sorry! I shouldn't tease, should I? Of course I'll move in with you!' Luna reached up with both arms and pulled him down to kiss him. Lifting his head, Ron smiled at her. 'You're an evil tease sometimes - but I love you!'

'Good,' said Luna, 'because I love you too.'

Ron stared at her. 'You do?'

'Oh yes!'

'Wow!'

'Ronald?'

'Yeah?'

'Kiss me again.'

He did exactly as he was told. And then some.

**** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****

Dean and Ginny were also in bed together at Dean's flat, talking. Dean was propped up against the bed head, some pillows supporting him as he held Ginny who was lying with her back against him. Dean had both his arms wrapped around her waist, Ginny's hands resting on top of his. His head was turned slightly so that his cheek rested on the top of her head.

'Thank God Hermione's all right, which means Harry's now all right,' said Dean.

Ginny sighed. 'And that it's all over.'

'What did you and Malfoy talk about while you were waiting?' he asked suddenly.

Ginny tensed and Dean felt it; she'd had a feeling he'd ask her this.

'Not much,' she said, 'I can't remember a lot of it because I felt so tense, waiting.'

'Ginny, if he talked about his feelings for you, it's okay, you can tell me.' He felt her slowly relax.

'I didn't think you'd want to know,' she told him. She turned her head so that her cheek was resting on his bare chest.

'I'd rather know than not.'

She took a deep breath. 'Well, he said things like he hates it when people call me "Ginny" instead of "Ginevra" - he always calls me that. He said he's-' she hesitated, unsure whether she should tell him in such detail.

'He's what?' queried Dean.

To hell with it! If I can't tell him about this then there goes the trust in our relationship! 'Well, that he's jealous of you.'

'Of course he is!' He kissed the top of her head. 'You're smart, funny, beautiful, sexy and you're mine, not his!'

Ginny held up a hand, laughing. 'Stop! My head won't fit through the doorway!'

'It's all true,' he said, and kissed the top of her head again. 'What else did he say?'

'He really resented Harry at school - thinks he got away with things all the time. He wanted me to call him "Draco" and-' he kissed me. Mother of Merlin, do I tell him? She closed her eyes, unsure. I have to. At least Malfoy's gone for good now so nothing will come of it. She opened her eyes, looking down at her hands resting on Dean's.

'He caught me completely off guard just as those two Death Eaters came in. I'd been looking over at you but there were some people in the way and I couldn't see you. He said it was part of the act.'

'What was part of the act?'

She closed her eyes again. 'He kissed me.'

She felt Dean's whole body tense immediately, his arms tightening around her, heard his sharp indrawn breath. Aside from his own personal revulsion and anger at Malfoy's actions, he realised what a disaster it could've been if he had seen him kissing Ginny; he knew he wouldn't have been able to stop from launching himself across the room to try and kill him which would've brought the whole operation to an end and then where would Hermione be? He also realised what it must have taken Ginny to tell him this. Then he was moving, twisting his body and turning her round so that they were facing each other, one hand remaining on her shoulder, the other cupping her face.

'Ginny, the fact that you trust me enough to tell me that makes me happier than you can imagine.'

The awful look of uncertainty tinged with fear that had been in her eyes was replaced with relief, followed by joy. Putting her hand around the back of his neck, she gently pulled his head down so that she could kiss him, whispering, 'You have no idea how much I love you,' just before their lips met.

**** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****

On arriving home, Harry simply stood, holding Hermione tightly. 'Home, safe and sound,' he murmured. He felt whole again. He felt capable of living and of happiness again. Hermione, her arms wrapped around his waist, smiled as she said, 'With you.'

Looking down at her, he said, 'What do you want to do?'

'Have a very long, hot shower!' She smiled at the speculative gleam growing in his eyes.

'Alone!' she added, laughing, 'While you cook something really delicious for me - I'm starving! They fed me, but only the bare minimum.'

'It'll be my pleasure, lovely lady,' he said, kissing her softly. 'I'll just escort you all the way up the hall to the bedroom first so you can congratulate me on my decorating efforts.'

Their arms around each other, they walked to the bedroom, Harry putting his hands over her eyes just before they got there, guiding her gently the last few feet.

'Ready,' he said, 'surprise!'

As Harry's hands left her eyes, Hermione looked around, taking in the beautiful new duvet on the bed, the myriad pillows and cushions on top, the new bedside lamps and curtains on the window, the window seat with new cushions and everything in varying shades of cinnamon, golden brown, chocolate brown and latte. She looked up, 'Even a new light! And the colours are perfect! Harry, this is wonderful! You have hidden talents, I must say.' He didn't tell her he chose the colours based on the dark honey shade of her eyes which he loved.

Then he came up behind her, slipping his arms around her waist, kissing her on the side of her neck, relishing the feel of her. 'I'll show you more of my hidden talents later,' he murmured against her soft, warm skin. She turned in his arms to face him, her arms sliding around his neck. 'I look forward to that,' she whispered against his lips, then kissed him. As their lips parted, Harry said, 'You better run along and have your shower before I ravish you and I'll go and see what I can come up with for dinner at such short notice. I'm rather hungry too, now.'

Hermione gave him an appraising look. 'What have you eaten since - well, yesterday morning?' she asked him.

He looked at her thoughtfully. 'Actually, nothing, now I come to think of it.'

Sadness filled Hermione's eyes as she looked at him. 'Oh, Harry - I had to try not to think of what you were going through because it was just too awful - there was no way I could let you know I was all right; I felt so powerless!'

He brought his hand up to curl around the side of her neck, his thumb rubbing gently across her cheek.

'I don't ever want to go through anything like that again,' he said quietly. 'I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you. This has all been far worse than the night Sirius died when I thought you were dead too.'

She pressed closer against him, bringing her hand up to cover his, squeezing it gently. 'I feel the same Harry - I can't bear to even contemplate what I would do if anything happened to you.'

'Nothing's going to happen to me, not anymore,' he told her before kissing her again.

Then Hermione smiled and said, 'And I promise not to go and get myself kidnapped again!'

Harry laughed. God, it feels so good to feel happy! he thought exultantly. It's so good to laugh - EVERYTHING is good again, now that she's here with me! 'I'll hold you to that,' he replied, 'now scoot - into the shower with you! The kitchen calls!'

Twenty minutes later Hermione walked into the kitchen feeling much better, her hair damp from her shower; she'd put on her favourite "Saturday tracks" and slippers. Harry wolf-whistled when he saw her. Hermione laughed at him as she took a stool at the bench. 'Oh, yes, right! I look just stunning!'

Perfectly serious, Harry said, 'You do to me, Hermione.' Especially tonight, the night you're back with me.

Resting her chin on her hand, she just smiled at him. 'That's why I love you!' she told him.

'Is that all? As I recall, we never did get back to that endless list of yours of the reasons why you love me,' he said, looking up from the pan of chicken and vegetables he was stir frying.

'Oh, I'd forgotten about that! Hmmm, let me see...well, you can cook really well, there's another one. You have a very sexy arse - actually, a very sexy everything. You're an unbelievably good kisser-'

Harry laughed. 'Enough already! I'm so wonderful I'm embarrassed!' Hermione joined in his laughter.

'So, what are we having to eat?' she asked him once their laughter had died down.

'Just a stir fry. Chicken, vegetables, rice.'

'Sounds and smells delicious!' she told him.

Once they'd eaten and Harry had cleaned up they curled up on the lounge in front of the fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate each, Hermione tucked into Harry's side with her feet under her, his arm around her. Harry filled her in on what had happened during the last two days, Hermione finding it hard to accept that Malfoy had actually helped to find her (for crying out loud!) when she'd been so convinced by the two Death Eaters that he was behind it and she'd accepted that without question. On the other hand, she answered with a forceful, 'I knew it!' when Harry told her they'd lied about Malfoy threatening Ginny so that she'd co-operate. 'I knew they were probably lying but I just couldn't take the risk!' she told him. He nodded. 'They would've been counting on that.'

When he told her about Malfoy's feelings for Ginny, revealed under the effects of the Veritaserum, Hermione sat up and stared at him, speechless for a moment. Harry couldn't help it, he had to laugh at the expression on her face. 'You're not joking, are you?' she asked, aghast. Harry shook his head. 'Nope. And he even kissed her tonight in the pub.' Hermione was gaping. 'My God! What did Dean do?' Harry explained how he'd been able to see Ginny and Malfoy from his observation point while Dean couldn't. 'Thank God,' he said, 'because I'm sure he would've been across the room in seconds to throttle Malfoy and that would've blown everything! Malfoy did it just as Jugson and Mulcher walked in, you see. Probably deliberate on his part.'

Hermione settled herself back down again, sighing. 'I can't wait to see everyone tomorrow and thank them. And Neville stayed here with you last night?'

'Yep. He actually brought a report over to show me that confirmed Jugson and Mulcher were spreading the rumours about Malfoy being behind the whole thing and ended up staying. It did make a difference. I hadn't wanted anyone here - and I didn't want to go somewhere else - but when Neville turned up, I did feel slightly better. Not alone.'

Hermione yawned and snuggled in further to Harry. 'Tell me about what happened in the pub - when you caught them,' she said sleepily. He spoke softly, telling her what they'd planned and how it had come off. Within minutes he realised she was asleep and smiled tenderly down at her. He felt almost overwhelmed by the fact that she felt so safe and secure with him, even so soon after her ordeal, she was able to fall asleep simply because she was with him and he was holding her. He carefully stood up, picking her up and carrying her down to their bedroom. As he walked into the room all the cushions except their pillows flew softly to the window seat and settled there then the covers drew back as he bent over to lay her down and then removed her slippers. He knelt beside the bed and pulled the covers over her, kissing her on the forehead. Quickly undressing, he got into bed beside her moving right up behind her, wrapping his arms around her. Even in her sleep she snuggled into him and he kissed her again, this time on the top of her head, whispering, 'I love you,' before he joined her in contented, dreamless sleep.

Monday Morning

Neville heard someone say, 'Good morning,' and looked up to see Malfoy walking into his office.

'Reporting at ten o'clock as requested,' he said coldly.

Neville nodded. 'Take a seat,' he told him curtly, opening a drawer on his desk and removing a thick roll of parchment and a Quick Quotes Quill.

Malfoy stared at it, noting that it was identical to the one Ginny had used the night she'd interviewed him at the Dragon's Lair. Reminders of her everywhere, he thought bitterly. Being in this room again is bad enough.

Neville set up a fresh sheet of parchment and the quill and stated Malfoy's name, the date and the reason for the statement. Malfoy spoke quickly and concisely; he'd obviously thought about what he was going to say and it made the whole exercise a lot less uncomfortable and drawn out than it could otherwise have been.

Half an hour later saw him signing the bottom of the last of four sheets of parchment.

Neville stood up, rolling up the parchment and asking him to wait there as he needed to go and pick up photos of Jugson and Mulcher that had been taken that morning at St Mungos as he would need to officially identify them for the record. Malfoy nodded and sat back, steepling his fingers under his chin, closing his eyes. He hadn't slept much the previous night - the events of that night preying on his mind as well as the fact that he had to make choices and decisions concerning his future. As always, despite trying as hard as he might, his thoughts would eventually end up on her and-

'Malfoy?'

His head snapped around. Shit! What was she doing here? He was on his feet in a second, a cool smile touching his lips, masking the turmoil within.

Ginny stood in the doorway stunned. She'd come to see Neville to find out what she could put in an article about the whole kidnapping scandal according to his Department's regulations. She was also going to speak to Harry and Hermione too, of course, before handing it in and the last person she'd expected to see here, now - or anywhere, anytime for that matter - was standing in front of her, smiling.

'Ginevra,' he said, his voice low as he nodded at her.

She looked at him levelly. 'Are you waiting to see Neville?'

'I've already seen him actually, to give him my statement. He's just gone chasing some photographs of Jugson and Mulcher that I apparently have to officially identify.'

She stood, uncertain as to what she should do. Malfoy gestured to the second armchair, indicating she should sit down. Ginny hesitated; Malfoy noticed and said with the lightest touch of sarcasm in his voice, 'Never fear, Ginevra, I've no intention of touching you. And I don't bite.'

No, you kiss instead of biting! she thought, resisting the temptation to say it to him aloud.

Feeling annoyed that she'd shown any weakness in front of him, she took a seat, followed by Malfoy.

He once again steepled his fingers beneath his chin and closed his eyes. He'd become obsessed with her years ago, wanting her for what felt like forever and yet he'd only had his imagination for all those years in Azkaban. Yet now that he'd actually been with her, talked with her - kissed her! - he had the reality of her to deal with. The reality was she didn't love him and never would. Oh, she might be curious and even flattered - having a man confess to a room full of people that he loves you is pretty intoxicating even if you would never even consider being friends with said man. But perhaps he could play on that curiosity, that feminine vanity for one more chance at adding to his memories before he left.

Ginny took a surreptitious look sideways at him and when she noticed his eyes were closed she turned her head a little so that she could study him.

The number of times she'd been in contact with him recently had lessened the impact of his haughty demeanour and she'd come to know him as just a man, after all. A man, ironically, who said that he loved her.

It must be the fact that I know he loves me. For some reason, even if you don't love that person back, it makes you look at them differently, perceive them in a different light. Unable to ignore them or dismiss them. Shit, what am I thinking? To hell with him! But her thoughts continued nonetheless: He's not really good looking, he has very sharp, fine features. His eyes are cold. Grey is a cold colour. Even his hair is a cool colour. But his lips were warm...

She suddenly found herself looking into those cold grey eyes. Only they weren't cold, they were full of anguish and longing and -

'Ginny?'

She jumped, tearing her gaze from Malfoy's, turning to see Neville walking in, looking at her quizzically. 'What are you doing here?' He shot a sideways glance at Malfoy who was now staring blankly ahead, his hands resting on the arms of the chair.

'I, uh, came to see you about my article - you didn't, I mean didn't you get my memo? I saw Ben - I just got here and-' waving her hand vaguely in Malfoy's direction; she looked as flustered as she sounded.

'Boss?'

Neville looked up. Ben had popped his dark, curly head around the door, looking in uncertainly.

'What is it Ben?'

'Well, that - prisoner - person - you've been waiting on has arrived and they need you down there to, um, well they need you.'

'It's all right Ben, I'll come now.' He looked at Ginny, addressing her alone. 'You'll be all right?'

She nodded, giving Neville a small smile.

Neville walked out, glancing back at her. He didn't want to leave her alone with Malfoy like this but the fact that she was in his office and quite capable of defending herself was the only reason he did so; he wouldn't be long, either.

As Neville left, Ginny looked down at her hands, twisting in her lap. She didn't dare look at him again. What the hell are you doing sitting here? she asked herself viciously. You should get up! Leave! You thought you'd never see him again! You DON'T want to see him again, ever! Why don't I just get up and walk out, come back later to see Neville? She curled her hands into fists, her nails digging into her palms. Is he suffering while he sits there? Does he really love me? Are you so vain that you like the idea of a man loving you, Ginny, wanting you, even someone like Malfoy - is it an ego-boosting thing? She felt shame and guilt. What if that's what it is? But everything he's ever done has been bad or wrong or selfish! He's never displayed any kindness or goodness that I've ever seen! Why would the love of such a man feed my vanity? If that's what it is... She felt miserable; she didn't understand herself, or her motives. She was horrified at some of the thoughts she was having, appalled that she didn't seem to have the strength to get up and leave.

'Have you reached a verdict yet? You look as though you're torn between deciding whether I'm guilty or not guilty.' His voice was soft and sad.

How could he know that? She lifted her head, but didn't look at him, choosing to look straight ahead. Maybe if she said the words out loud it would help.

'You've never once in your life done anything for anyone but yourself. You've done things I don't even want to begin to imagine for the side of evil and that is totally abhorrent to me. I doubt that you truly love me or anyone other than yourself.' She turned to look at him then, her eyes full of condemnation. Every word I've said is true! I have to remember that!

His gaze was solemn. 'I won't deny any of that Ginevra. I'd be foolish to. Nor am I going to try and excuse myself. There are no excuses. But you're wrong about one thing. I do truly love you. I know I do - because I know that I want you to be happy above everything else. I'm leaving London because I love you. I don't want to disturb your life or your happiness so I'm leaving. Tomorrow. You really won't have to ever see me again.' His voice was level, with sadness in the underlying tone. She looked at his hands which were clenched tightly on the arms of the chair, his knuckles white. He spoke again, his voice so low she could only just make out his words. 'I'm having lunch at the Dragon's Lair at one thirty today. I would be - glad - if you would join me, if you're free, as a farewell gesture.'

Ginny found herself feeling panic - she had to get away from him! She stood up and without looking at him, her voice shaking badly, said, 'I've got to go,' and fled the room, running past an astounded Neville on her way out.

**** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****

Hermione woke slowly to the realisation that she was home - with Harry; she smiled. Then she opened her eyes slowly; he was lying on his stomach now, facing her, his arm thrown across her as she lay looking at him. She reached over and tenderly ran her fingers through his hair, bringing her hand back to rest on the side of his face. She could feel the roughness there and remembered other mornings when she'd imagined waking up in bed with Harry, doing exactly what she was doing now, loving the coarse feel of the night's growth on his face, knowing his voice would sound a little husky from sleep if he were to say her name right now. She lightly trailed her fingers down his neck, over his back and down to that gorgeous arse of yours, Harry! Harry murmured in his sleep, rolling towards her - she moved to make room for him as he rolled onto his back, then moved up against his side, her head on his shoulder. She put her hand on his chest, fingers spread, loving the feel of the firm muscles. He has just the right amount of hair on his chest too, she thought, her fingers playing with it. She smiled to herself as her hand moved down over his flat, firm stomach and then came into contact with a very prominent erection, causing Harry to stir in his sleep. Moving gently so as not to disturb him just yet, she slipped out of bed and divested herself of her clothes before quickly slipping back in. She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek, then once again trailed her fingers down his body, wrapping them around his erection, slowly moving her hand gently up and down.

She smiled as this got an immediate reaction - Harry rolled onto his side towards her, his arm going around her, his hand running down the soft curve of her back, following through to the length of her leg. Eyes closed, Hermione's head arched back from the sensations caused by the path of Harry's hand - such a little thing, yet it can do this to me because it's him! she thought, revelling in it, feeling that wonderful need and desire blossoming in her lower stomach.

As she opened her eyes, her head coming forward, she gave a little gasp; Harry's startling green eyes were looking at her, filled with such love and lust she shivered. He smiled seductively at her as he said with that oh-so-sexy, husky morning voice, 'Morning beautiful lady.'

Hermione could only manage to smile back; speech currently wasn't an option. I'm going to melt, she groaned to herself, I feel positively as though I am going to just turn into a puddle of goo - I don't think he will ever realise just what he does to me!

As Harry's hand travelled back up her leg, over her hip and into the dip of her waist, Hermione rolled onto her back. I want him NOW! she thought desperately, I am so ready for him! Harry propped himself up on one elbow, his free hand still on her waist as he looked down at her. Hermione stretched both her arms above her head, her eyes imploring him to just take her, now! He saw what was in her eyes, but he wanted to truly relish this experience; he'd spent two days trying to ignore the fact that he might never have this again and now that he did, he was going to enjoy it for as long as possible. Which probably won't be too long after all, he thought, as Hermione arched her back and his attention was totally captured by the sight of her breasts, her nipples achingly hard, a groan escaping him from deep down in his chest as he dropped his head to take one of those deliciously hard points into his mouth, his hand moving to the other, firstly kneading her whole breast before taking her nipple between his thumb and forefinger, rolling it and squeezing gently.

Hermione felt a desperate need to have him inside her - she wanted that hard length sliding into her and the thought of that together with what Harry was doing to her nearly pushed her over the edge. Then when his hand left her breast and travelled tantalisingly down over her stomach, lower, moving into her moist curls to find that swollen little - 'Harry!' she cried out as wave after wave of ecstasy moved violently through her body causing her back to arch, her head flung back. Then she slowly collapsed, lying there as a beautiful languor stole over her. She looked up at Harry, still resting on his elbow looking down at her, his other hand now spread out on the flat plane of her lower stomach. Smiling languidly, she reached up to caress his face. He turned his face so that he could kiss the palm of her hand. She felt tears well up in her eyes from the strength of the emotions coursing through her. 'Harry, you can't imagine how much I love you.'

'Maybe almost as much as I love you,' he told her, dropping his head to kiss her softly at first, then it became a little more passionate and then he felt Hermione open her mouth for him and he was lost in that kiss, groaning through it softly. He could feel Hermione urging him to move so that he was on top of her and he did so, feeling her legs wrap themselves around his waist as he sank into her, a long, low moan forced from him by the sensations coursing through his body.

She had her arms wrapped around him too and he could feel her warm breath on his ear as she whispered to him. He heard her words swirling through his consciousness unable to fully concentrate on them, he was too overwhelmed by the feel of her all around him, of being inside her; Harry - faster - you feel incredible - please, Harry! And then ecstasy took hold of him, his back arched as her name was ripped from his lips in the throes of his orgasm. Hermione watched exultantly - she'd never get enough of this! She loved knowing she could bring him to this. Harry slowly collapsed on top of her, barely able to hold himself off her. She pushed gently so that they both rolled onto their sides; Harry didn't speak for a minute until he regained his breath although he lay there looking at her smiling.

She gently touched his face. 'I know I've already said it today, but I love you Harry.'

He brought one of her hands up to his lips, kissing her fingers one by one. 'I will never get sick of hearing you say that Hermione, never!' He turned her hand over and kissed her palm lingeringly then smiled mischievously at her.

'So, are you going to desert me, leave me all alone and go to work? Or, stay home and...' he paused.

'And what?' she asked, smiling knowingly.

He shrugged, his eyes twinkling. 'And do whatever takes your fancy!'

Hermione laughed, 'You take my fancy, Harry!'

'Then you can do whatever you like with me, and he smiled suggestively, waggling his eyebrows at her.

'Oh, I will, believe me, I intend to...' but she didn't finish because he was kissing her again.

TO BE CONTINUED...