The Catch

Epilogue

[a few days later in Hogwarts...]

Hermione frowned a little as she watched Ron talking to Padma across the Great Hall. They seemed to be getting along quite well, considering everything that had happened during the past few weeks. He patted her shoulder as they ended the conversation and he jogged to his place at the Gryffindor table.

"You're talking," Hermione noticed, raising her eyebrows.

Ron, knowing what she meant, only shrugged. He recalled the long talk that involved a lot of apologies (Padma's), stony silences (Snape's), a few tears (Padma's), a few hugs (Ron to Padma), and a lot of giggles after. It had been a surprising and exhausting return. "She apologized to both of us. I believe she really regrets what she did. We're all better off forgetting it ever happened."

"My, my, I didn't know great sex could greatly increase one's benevolence," she snickered, taking a bite from her toast.

His eyebrows wiggled. "It does wonders. By the way, where's Harry?" Ron wondered aloud.

"Cramming his Potions essay. He forgot about all about it, he said."

"That's a little obvious. He was out late last night. I fell asleep before he got back."

"You know," Hermione mused, "there's something weird about Harry."

Ron's fork stopped on its way to his mouth. "Weird? In what way?"

Hermione shook her head. "I don't know. It was just something he said before--about his conversation with Padma. I just can't seem to put my finger on it right now."

"You'll figure it our later."

Agreeing, Hermione changed the topic and started to tell Ron about Percy's suggestion that they spend the summer together with the rest of the Weasley family in Egypt. Delighted with the idea, Ron excitedly gave his approval, saying that his parents would be very happy to bring her along. As he laughed with Hermione, he looked across the hall at Snape. They shared a smile before the Potions professor broke their contact and turned back to Trelawney.

Everything was back to where it should be. What could possibly be better?

***

"I swear, I did it just to help Ron!" Harry insisted for what seemed like the millionth time as the sweat trickled down his neck. "I didn't even want to do it!"

"You better be telling the truth," a voice growled roughly.

"I am! I am!" Harry shrieked, his body tensing tightly as he tried to remain calm. His efforts failed a moment later as he started gasping and shouting at the same time. "Oh God, please... OH GOD!"

"It's not Sunday, dear," Draco Malfoy whispered as he held the shuddering body of his lover beside him. "Sorry for the interrogation, and for blowing up like that in the restaurant. I just don't like sharing you, especially to girls like her."

Harry smiled weakly, glowing in the wake of his orgasm. "If that's your idea of jealous torture then I'd date girls everyday."

"Shut up, darling, and spread your legs." The blond grinned wickedly. "I missed breakfast and I'm very hungry."

"As you please, sir. As you please."

FIN