Hermione's Problem

Disclaimer: Not mine, yet fun to manipulate. shrug

Thanks to Charmed Nay for doing the beta job on this last year. I've taken it out of the closet, dusted it off, and decided to upload, even though it really reeks. Lol... I can just read fangirl all over this. **snicker** But hey! A person's writing styles can change. Also, thanks to CocoaChristy for giving this a second look.

Oh, Harry, not again, Hermione thought to herself as she walked into her flat. There he was, however, sprawled out on the floor...naked of course. An empty bottle of wine, a tangled sheet, and extra pillow the only evidence of what had truly happened. He and one of his 'friends' had just dropped where they were and did as they pleased.

"Harry, wake up," she said softly, touching his bare chest. Good Lord! He had really filled out and had a nice chest. It was all that extra working out he did for his Quidditch practices. How she loved when those strong arms held her at night, that chest pressed against her back. She kneeled down next to him and traced his scar with her finger. He'd never know how much she actually fancied him. "Time for bed, Harry!"

His sparkling, green eyes opened. "Oi there, love. Where did Padma get off to?" He stretched and yawned. She couldn't resist tickling his very exposed armpits. He shook her off easily and pulled her down next to him. She laid her head on his arm as his other arm came around her waist. She could feel his erection against her lower back. Did he want her? Or was it the remembrance of what he and Padma had done that had him newly aroused? "You see Padma leave?" he inquired again, breaking into her thoughts.

"Nope, just your little naked arse glowing in the firelight when I came in. She must have left." She could just imagine Padma sneaking out so as not to wake up Harry. As far as she knew, he was very energetic and had great staying power. He'd had girls here often enough for her to know. More than once she'd heard and accidentally seen things.

"Ah well... it was a good four hours then. Suppose I'll not see her again for a while." His nose was in her hair. "Good, God, Mione, your hair smells good. I'll have to use your shampoo, so that I can smell you all day."

Harry didn't know what those little things that he said did to her. He was always saying something that truly touched her or made her fantasize that he really meant what he said. She pressed more tightly into him. They had been living together for about four years, and things were perfect. She had long given up that he would ever see her as anything other than his best friend though. Harry never tried anything with her at all. And he didn't look at her with longing or desire in his eyes. "Well, suppose I had best be off for bed then. I need to get out of this dress."

"No, stay. This feels comfy, doesn't it? I placed a Cushioning Spell just under us. Here, let me magic your dress off." He reached for his wand and said a spell. Her dress was suddenly gone, and she was left in only her bra and knickers.

"Thanks," she mumbled.

He kissed her cheek. "Night. Love you."

"Love you. Night." She turned over and kissed his cheek softly.

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

"So, Mione, you have a date tonight then?" Harry asked softly. She could see something in his eyes. Some shine that made him look mischievous. "Finally gonna jump into the world of dating again? You've not gone with anyone since you broke things off with Ron."

"Well, it's not really a date. At least, I don't think so. Just a friend from the office. We're to discuss that Love Potion Detector that I'm researching." She smiled excitedly. "I think it's coming along rather well."

"But he asked you out."

"Right, but that's to discuss our progress." She shrugged, trying to pick out a dress to wear. "How does this look?"

"Like something straight out of Trelawney's closet. I hate that dress. Get something in lavender," he chuckled. "You look good in anything that you have on, honest." He must have noted her hurt look because he suddenly looked apologetic. She had asked for his opinion, right? "Oi, here we are. Perfect." He pulled out something much worse. A high collared dress with long sleeves and a length that reached the floor was being dangled in front of her.

"Harry, I would suffocate in this dress. It's hot out, isn't it? You are trying to make me look like an old professor! Oh!" She giggled. "Here we are. Lavender...just like you said." She found a stunning, silky, strapless dress. This one reached just above her knees.

"Mmmmmm... What's-his-name will eat you alive with that on. Good choice, love." He kissed her brow softly. "Hungry?"

"Yes, but I'll save my appetite for dinner. I could use a glass of wine though." She watched him walk out of her room and sighed. Why couldn't she find someone like Harry? Someone who made her feel comfortable, someone who didn't mind her more serious talks about work, someone that made her feel good about being her. Maybe she should really try hard with this guy tonight. She pulled off her shirt and bra. Clad only in her knickers, she began to put lotion on her stomach and arms.

Harry whistled. "That's a sight. You should have been a model for one of those Muggle magazines." She didn't blush at his comment, only shook her head with laughter. He handed her the glass and took the bottle of lotion from her. She sipped her wine and almost gasped in delight as his hands worked the lotion down into her back.

"That feels good, Harry." She let that slip out. Shit! He just chuckled. Well, at least he didn't notice her blunder. Yes, she'd definitely have to find someone like Harry.

"I love that scent on you. All fresh and flowery." She turned and gawked at him. He was putting women's lotion on his chest.

"Harry!" She shrieked. "You'll smell like a woman on your date!"

He arched an eyebrow and said casually, "So?" He put her bottle aside and took her wine from her. She smirked as he took a sip of it. "Well, don't want you to have all that much. I'd have to go out and hex the guy for taking advantage of you, wouldn't I?"

"Awwwww. You are too good to me, Harry. I love how you take care of me," she whispered and hugged him tightly. She felt an erotic pleasure creep up her spine as she realized that her breasts were pressed against Harry's bare chest.

"Always will, Mione." He released her after a moment and said something about a cold shower. She laughed as he took off quickly.

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

Hermione couldn't believe what she was hearing. Harry Potter was drunk as a house-elf on butterbeer and barely knew his own name. Ron had just Apparated him home, saying he felt Harry was well past Apparating abilities. It was Ron's stag party that he'd been drinking at since Ron was marrying Luna. Finally, he realized that he loved her, and then, she'd told him that she was pregnant. Ron had never been happier. Harry, Neville, Seamus, Dean, Justin, Draco, and Hagrid had all gone out to celebrate with him.

"Hey, sexy. Come over here, and let me make you feel like you own the world," Harry was saying through bouts of chuckling that sounded much more like giggles. Since when did Harry giggle?

"Harry, it's me, Mione."

"Oi, Mione! Where were you tonight? You missed out on the fun, I tell you. We got pissed!" He was stumbling about. She pulled him toward his room as quickly as she could. She didn't want him falling or throwing up. Once there, she took off his robes, shoes, shirt, and pants. That left him in green boxers and, of all colors, lavender socks. Strange bloke, Harry was. She laughed so hard that tears formed in her eyes. Those were her socks! He must have nicked them from the laundry.

"Night, Harry," she said, kissing his lips softly. She panicked, however, as he wrapped his arms around her and opened his mouth to kiss her. She opened hers to protest, but she soon found herself kissing him passionately. He tasted of firewhisky, and his lips were expertly molding hers. His tongue intruded her mouth boldly, and she let him, finally giving in to his drunken, yet glorious kiss. The need to breathe pulled her away from his face, but his arms still had her locked against his chest. Soon, he was snoring lightly, and she was able to slip away.

She went to the bathroom and leaned against the wall, panting wildly. Harry had kissed her. Really kissed her. Wow. He kissed exactly as she had dreamed that he would. She would never forget the feel of his arms around her or his lips against hers. But this could never happen again. They were only friends. Best friends. He was drunk. Only kissed me because he was drunk! She hoped he wouldn't remember it the next day. She liked things as they were. No pressure. No awkwardness. Just Harry and her.

The next morning, she awoke to the smell of frying bacon and coffee brewing. She sleepily made her way to the kitchen. "All right?" she asked a bit shyly, wondering if he'd remembered what he'd done to her.

"Not really, but I think after I eat I might feel better. Stomach's all queasy. How did I get home? What time was it?" he asked, rubbing his temples. So... he didn't even remember getting home. That meant that her secret was safe. Disappointment flowed through her. She almost wanted him to remember the kiss. But, no, it would have been all too weird.

Must be for the best. "Ron brought you in about two, I'd say." She pulled him to his chair. "Sit down. I'll finish up this." He sat gratefully and put his head on the table. She poured him a cup of coffee and added about six spoons of sugar in it. She didn't know exactly how many he put, but she knew it was a lot. Giving him the coffee, she starting on the eggs and toast. She fixed his plate and set it before him. He was slowly drinking his coffee. She fixed her own plate and watched him eat. She loved the way his mouth chewed his food. It seemed to tease her as he savored each bite, as if every it were the best he'd ever eaten. She loved everything about him. Pity they could never be together that way.

"Mione..." Harry said softly, reaching across the table to hold her hand. "Thanks for all that you do for me." She nodded and smiled brightly at Harry. What he didn't know wouldn't hurt him.

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

Hermione was showering and heard Harry beating on the door. Ha! He'd just have to wait. She had suds in her hair. She heard the door burst open, and his voice carried in to her. "Nice View." She knew he was talking about her naked body. The damn shower curtain was very sheer. She peeked round just as he began to urinate.

"Trying to get a peek, are you?" she called joyfully, but her eyes landed on what his hand was holding. Oh, my! Her eyes met his, and she saw his amused expression.

"Who's trying to peek now?" He grinned. Her face turned red, and she quickly ducked back behind the curtain. She'd seen him before, but for some reason, this time made her feel different. He looked... ready. The previous night she'd had a boring date and came home to find that Crookshanks had destroyed her bedding. She crawled in with him once again. Seemed she'd been doing that a lot lately. His bed, his arms, his body... He just made her feel safe and content. Instead of quickly fixing things with a bit of magic, she used these moments as excuses to sleep with him.

He had another one of his dreams the previous night. She was glad that she was there with him. It wasn't often that he had them anymore, but a few times per month, she'd hear him thrashing about in his room. On those nights, she would hold and soothe him. What made it strange about last night's dream was that she was sure he was worried about her for some reason. He had been calling out her name as if she was about to die. She caught herself before she drew him to her for a kiss, opting instead to just rest her head on his chest. She'd have to find a boyfriend soon if she was ever to give up on the idea of Harry loving her. She always hoped that he would, but he never made any moves. Sure, he said those lovely little things, but they were more or less only meant in a joking manner.

She got out and cast a Drying Spell on herself. She applied light make-up and pulled her hair up in an elegant bun, allowing a few strands to fall out about her face. She'd bought a new dress and chose to wear it this day for one reason only. Harry. Her mum wouldn't mind of course, but she wanted Harry to see her in it. She wanted him to think she looked nice. She ached for a compliment from him, and that only ended up making her hurt worse. She needed to stop doing such things.

By the time she was ready, he already had breakfast done. She wanted to ask about his dream but decided against it. There was a more pressing matter. His date. Something about it had left him disgruntled. She asked him about it, part of her enjoying that it hadn't turned out as he'd planned.

He told her about his date, and he'd definitely been shagged. Again. But he was upset because Hannah simply just left right after and didn't seem to want to pursue anything further. She laughed at him. Here he was... the Great Harry Potter ...worried about why women would shy away from him after great sex...which, to be perfectly honest, she'd heard tell of rumors that he was excellent in bed. She decided to give him something to chew on.

"Well, Harry, surely you must know," she said, smirking slightly. "You appear to be untouchable to women. I mean, no girl in her right mind would think that you would actually settle for them. So they settle for a shag." Especially not me, your bookish best friend.

He screwed up his face in disbelief. She could see that he didn't buy what she was saying. Every witch she knew wanted him. "So they don't even give me a chance then. Just assume I don't want them for the long haul! That's unreal!" he nearly shouted.

"Harry, name one girl that you've told that you love her." Silence. She drummed her fingers impatiently. He had to have told someone. He told her often, didn't he? The words had to have fallen off his lips to a girlfriend or during some climax. Yet, doubt formed because he truly didn't have steady girlfriends. He had dates. One night stands. Weekend flings. So maybe he didn't say the words to anyone after all.

"Well, you, but I must have told someone else." He brought his hand to his chin as if thinking hard.

"Uh huh. Just as I thought. Only one you've told is me. Now, of all the girls you've dated, how many did you really want to see again anyway?" She raised her eyebrows knowingly before biting into her omelet. He'd only told her. That pleased her more than she wanted to admit. She knew in her heart he didn't mean in love, but all the same, she was the only woman to hear those words from him. It made her feel special.

"Well, quite a few actually," he said triumphantly. She saw his eyes light up. "And I saw most of them again." He just didn't get it.

She started laughing loudly. "Harry," she rolled her eyes. "When you saw them again, did you happen to mention that you fancied them in that way? I mean, did you get all mushy with them and let them know you'd eventually like to wake up with them every morning?" She held her breath.

"Well, no, but why be mushy? I mean most times things get too hot to think of anything but what's happening." He grinned. "And, as far as waking up with any of them, sorry, I'd have to pass, thanks."

Inwardly, she gave a jump for joy, but she spoke calmly. "Then you've never truly found anyone that you could love." She patted his hand to reassure him. "Keep looking. You'll find her."

That was the hardest advice she'd ever given him. No matter how she felt about him, she wanted him to be happy, and if that sent him off to find another woman, so be it. "Well, thanks for that chat, Mione. It's all clear to me now," he said sarcastically.

His voice made her stop short. "Hannah. Do you see yourself being with her again?"

She saw the evil glint in his eyes. "Oh yeah. She's got this little technique with her tong--"

She made a face. "Yuck, Harry. I don't need to know all of that. What I mean is, when you think of seeing her again, do you see yourself sitting down, talking, and cuddling while watching some Muggle program on the telly?" Of course, she didn't want to hear details. She was feeling a bit jealous this day.

"No, but I can see her in the shower all lathered up. Does that count?" She made a disgusted face. He panicked. "Hang on! That's cuddling, Mione!"

She sighed. "Harry, one day it will hit you. You'll be with someone, and she won't be all impressed with your past or your Quidditch skills." He snorted. "What?" she said indignantly. "There are girls out there who will love you for what's inside, and until you find one, you won't be all that good at intimacy, I'm afraid." She could name one that felt that way, and she happened to be sitting across from him.

"Hey, hey. I have no problems with intimacy, thanks," he said indignantly.

"I'm not talking about sex. I'm talking about love. Little things. Holding your lover without any sex. Making love to a girl with your eyes and not your... your... you know... him." She blushed. She was thinking about what she saw in the bathroom earlier, and she was thinking about him holding her so closely last night that it was pressed firmly against her inner thigh.

"I can do that just as well, Mione. It's just... They never try for anything more. All is going well and then bam! We're in bed." He glanced at the fireplace, remembering the shag he'd had the previous evening. "Or the floor."

"Harry, have you ever just held a girl? I mean no sex. Just holding her next to you." She drank the last of her coffee and sent the cup to the sink to wash itself. She smiled softly, knowing that he held her all night even if he held no other all night.

"Well, I know one girl that has taken a liking to sleeping with me." He grinned mischievously, and then his voice became serious. "I never touch you that way though."

No shit! She laughed. "Not me, Harry. A girl!" Oh, that sounded lame.

"Last I saw you were a girl. That has to count for something!" He wriggled his eyebrows. Lord, but he was so adorable. She wanted to pounce on him, but then she thought about his other 'friends' that he went out with. They all did just that.

She laughed uncomfortably. "You are a piece of art, I tell you. You just don't get it. I mean any of your dates!" She waved her hands wildly as she spoke. She had to make him understand.

"No," he said softly. He looked almost wistful. She wanted to tell him that it would be all right and hold him close, but she had to stop doing that. He was not her boyfriend. She had to get him motivated.

"Try it out. The next time the opportunity presents itself, get her to stay with you. See how it feels." She stood up and walked around to his side of the table. "Do you want to come with us?" She hoped he would say yes.

"Nah. I'll go out and see what Ron's getting himself into. Thanks though, baby." He kissed her cheek. "Have a good day." She kissed his lips softly and ruffled his already messy hair. Damn! Well, she couldn't expect him to be joined at her hip, could she?

"Your loss." She smiled and left. She had to leave before she begged him to come with her.

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

Hermione was very tired. She'd stayed at her parents' home much longer than she'd expected to. All the lights were out when she came in. The only reason she could make out Harry sitting on the couch was because there was soft moonlight flowing in through the windows.

"Harry, why are you sitting here all alone? No lights. Telly off," Hermione asked, concern filling her eyes. "Are you drunk?" What had happened to make him look so sad?

He downed the last of his drink before speaking. "Not yet, but I will be." Uh oh. Something was definitely wrong.

She kicked off her shoes. "Unzip me," she said, turning to him. He reached up and pulled down her zipper just a bit. She edged out of her dress and sat next to him wearing nothing but a slip and stockings. "Tell me." She put a hand on his shoulder to comfort him.

"Accio scotch!" he said, summoning the bottle to him. He refilled his glass and took a drink. He wouldn't look at her. But why? What had she done wrong? "Been thinking about our conversation earlier."

So, that was it. She'd upset him. Hurt his ego. "Oh, Harry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I was just pointing out the obvious to you." She brushed back lingering hair from his face. "What are you thinking of?"

"I had a conversation with Ron. Told him everything." He smiled sadly, still not meeting her eyes.

"And?" she pressed.

Something Ron had said seemed to have help to make up his mind about something. His jaw was set firmly. He downed his drink and turned to face her. His eyes looked so worried, yet relaxed. He was so beautiful sitting there. Green eyes glimmering. Hair untidy but in a sexy way. He brushed back a strand of her own hair that was just over her eyes. "Mione... he thinks that I love you."

What? She blinked. Her heart stopped. Damn, meddling Ron. Why did he want to drive them apart this way? Wasn't it enough that he was married and had someone? Did he have to ruin things for her by turning Harry away from her? "Harry, Ron is just trying to get you to look at all possibilities. Don't let him get you down." She didn't want him to be upset because of Ron's mutterings. Of course Harry didn't love her that way.

"What do you think of me when you see me, Hermione? I mean, do you see me as England's Seeker, as Voldemort's killer..." He smiled softly. "Or am I just Harry to you?"

She smiled. This was easy. "I see you as Harry. You've always been just Harry to me. Where are you going with this?" She felt a tad uneasy. Flashes of their earlier conversation jumped to mind.

"You told me that one day I would find a girl who thought that way about me, and only then would I be able to see myself capable of loving her." He smiled softly. She had indeed told him that. She was basing that on her own feelings though.

She smiled. "And you will Harry. I promise." Unfortunately for me.

"I love you, Hermione. I never saw it for what it was. It's you that I could hold all night. It's you I could wake up to every day," he blurted.

"Oh!" she gasped. Wow! Had Harry Potter just confessed his love to her? She felt so happy, so astounded, and so doubtful. This couldn't be real. Did Ron guilt him into this somehow? "Har-ry. Ron has Confunded you or something! There are so many other women out there more worthy of you. Don't let him confuse you."

"No. I'm not confused. I've been thinking about it for five hours now. It all fits. I love you." He took her hand in his. "And now, I want to know. How do you really think of me?"

Her voice had left her. He was serious. He loved her. Was in love with her. Wanted a real relationship. With her. She saw his eyes fill with disappointment. He let go of her hand. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I'll not bring this up again." He stood and walked to his room. Her mind was screaming for him to stay, but the words would not come. She loved him.

She had always dreamed of something like this, but she'd never thought it was possible. Absently, she pulled off her stockings. Harry loved her! Her heart was so full of emotion. She had to go to him before he changed his mind. He probably thought she didn't love him back from the way she'd become suddenly mute.

Hermione found her way almost blindly to his room and sat on his bed.

"Harry?"

"Mmmmm?"

"I can't believe that you chose me, of all people. I always thought of you as untouchable, so I pushed my feelings aside, never wanting you to know." She kissed his lips softly. "I love you as well."

She could feel the change in him. Heard his breath catch slightly. "Is that right?" he asked seductively. He moved over and pulled her into his arms to hold her.

"Yes," she said breathlessly. "I just think we need to think about this. This will change some things." Lord, she hoped nothing much would change. What they had already was perfect...now just to add a few extras to it.

"Right. It will, indeed. I think we'll need a one bedroom flat for starters," he said and chuckled at her expression. "I don't want to think of you off in your own room without me." Her heart warmed considerably. Nothing would change but their sleeping arrangements.

"Harry?" She felt as nervous as a young teenager on her first date.

"Yes, my love?"

His love. Wow. That gave her a little more confidence, but her body shuddered at the thought of his lips on hers again.

"How does it feel to kiss the great Harry Potter?" She was so nervous. She had kissed him already, but he had been drinking. The kiss was great, but she wanted to see how it felt with him knowing it was her. With him loving her. Silence. But then, he brought his lips to hers softly, and when her lips parted, his tongue plunged in. She melted beneath his lips, their tongues mingling and searching territory unknown. She felt his lips on her neck moments later, and that prompted her to do some exploring of her own. A slight moan escaped her lips. She could feel a hand traveling up her leg, under her slip, across her stomach to her breast. In an instant, his mouth began administrating pleasure to her hardened peak. God but his tongue and mouth felt so soft. His other hand had pulled her slip all the way off of her. His tongue lazily made its way to her other breast while one hand began exploring her thighs. She almost couldn't bear it.

It felt so good. She whimpered as she felt one of his fingers delved into her. He left no portion of flesh unkissed.

Somehow his boxers had been discarded. She'd not noticed when, but she felt his erection pressing against her thighs as he worked his mouth back up to hers. She began to move wildly under him. His fingers were like magic, circling, pushing, and plunging. He began to kiss her again, and she vaguely noticed that he had nestled between her legs. After a few soft nips, he moved to look into her eyes. She saw him through a fuzzy haze. This was all happening so fast. She would not stop him no matter what he wanted from her, but it all seemed like a dream.

He guided himself to her entrance and pushed in slightly. Her eyes widened. This was a very unusual feeling. She moved to try to get more comfortable. "I love you," he whispered in her ear before nipping it lightly and he plunging all the way in.

"Ah..." she cried out. Nobody had ever made love to her before, much less touched her so intimately. It was all new to her. Though it hurt, it felt strangely good to be filled. To be one with Harry. They were perfect together. He began to move slowly and pulled back just a bit to stare into her eyes. The intensity was too much. She couldn't look at him or say anything, fearing she'd become emotional. She was only able to concentrate on the feeling that was building up inside of her. He paid extra attention to her breasts, took time to stimulate her clitoris, and was stroking slowly. Too slowly. She wanted more of him, to feel him deeper, harder, faster. She began to move faster, hoping it would urge him to move faster as well.

He increased his speed and seemed to be going in further. It was driving her mad. Her body had a mind of its own as she arched to get closer to him to feel all of him even more. He suckled her neck savagely, and she gave in to the urge to rake her nails down his back. He groaned and thrust upwards, deeply, quickly. This made that feeling come closer and closer. Suddenly, out of no where, she heard her own voice shout, "Oh, Harry." She exploded around him. He grinned knowingly as she drifted off into another world. Just a few more strokes saw that he joined her.

As her pleasure receded, she struggled to tell him how she felt. She couldn't find the words until later when she noticed that he was at her side looking down into her eyes, running his hand over her stomach gently. She finally turned to him and kissed his lips softly. "I love you, Harry." He grinned so broadly that she had to kiss him again. She had put that smile on his face. She would definitely be thanking Ron.

"Will you marry me, Mione? If not now, one day?" he asked suddenly. It took her by surprise, but she knew he was serious.

"Asking so soon?" she whispered, voice seemingly unable to work.

"It's not too soon. It's too late. We should have done it years ago. I won't let you get away from me so easily. I want you to make an honest man out of me."

"I will," she agreed. "I'll never leave you. Always cherish you." All of her dreams had finally come true.

He kissed her once more. "Mione, I never knew that you had never made love to anyone. Why didn't you tell me?" Uh oh. Was this bad or good? How did he know that anyway?

"I just thought you knew somehow. Is that all right?" She cocked an eyebrow at him. Surely, he'd be happy. And what they shared was amazing, so he couldn't be disappointed. Could he?

"I like it, but I feel odd. Do you not feel uncomfortable that I've been with the women that I was with? You know about all of them. Details even." He sighed. She could see that he was regretting having been so open with her. But she was glad for it.

It didn't really bother her. She knew where his loyalties were. And, at that moment, she felt his erection digging into her side once more. Pulling him closer, she whispered into his ear. "I don't care about them. They had your body, but I have your heart. Make love to me again."

"With pleasure."

Southern's Notes: Well, it was a bit of fun fluff if nothing else, eh? That concludes this trilogy. Cheers!