Chapter 11: Making Progress.
Chapter 11 of 17
cocoachristyHarry and Cho can't come to an agreement, Oliver leaves Ginny feeling confused, George pokes fun at Ron, and Severus and Hermione have a bit of play time.
Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to JKR.
A/N: Many thanks go to my awesome beta, Southern_Witch_69!
Harry stood in the back of the room, leaning against the wall, arms folded, trying to contain his anger. They were all discussing strategies and possibilities, except they were forgetting the most important thing. After a couple hours, he couldn't take it any longer.
"You know, all of this is fine and good, but what I want to know is what we do if...likely when...she's taken."
All conversation stopped as several eyes turned to stare at Harry. Auror Rossi tried to assure him, "It is highly unlikely that Auror Chang should be abducted, Harry."
Harry snorted. "Highly unlikely still means a slight possibility."
"I'm a big girl, Harry. I can take care of myself." Cho folded her arms and looked Harry in the eyes. "I've been through the training, just as you."
"Yes, you demonstrated just how well you can take care of yourself yesterday, eh?" Harry raised his eyebrows in a questioning manner, daring her to elaborate.
Cho cocked her head. "I thought we came out even on that score actually."
"Perhaps we did. However, even, if you are captured, wouldn't be near good enough, would it?"
"Harry," Auror Rossi chided, "you are redundant, yes? It is not as if we do not know what to expect. She will be well guarded, and with the tracking device around her neck, if she is taken, we will be able to follow her."
Harry started to speak, but the Head Auror held up his hand to stop him. "The decision is made. Now, on to a more, shall we say, pleasant topic. I have procured World Cup tickets for us all!"
"Oh, yes," Harry said sarcastically. "Let's forget all about using one of our own as bait and head to the World Cup tomorrow!" Harry threw his hands up in disgust and walked out the door, slamming it in his wake so hard that it rattled the frame.
When Rossi stood, Cho placed her hand on his arm. "Please, sir. Allow me." He nodded, and Cho stepped out and quietly closed the door behind her.
"Harry!" Cho called out. He stopped, but didn't turn. When she reached him, she said, "I think we should talk."
"Again? Ready for another go, are you?"
"Stop it! Must you make things with me seem so... sordid? I know, all right? I know what sleeping with you makes me, but this isn't about that!"
Harry sighed. Cho honestly felt bad about things, and at least he could calm her fears on any guilt she'd been feeling over him and Ginny. "Listen, Cho, about last night..."
"Ssh!" she quieted him, making sure nobody was listening. "Look, I don't really want to re-hash all of that. I just want to say that I am getting pretty tired of you continually trying to thwart my work. This is something I want to do, and I will do it, with or without you."
"Damn it, Cho! Of course it will be with me! Are you completely mad, woman? It's just that this man is dangerous; I've seen what he does to his victims. Do you think I want him to be harming you that way?"
"Were his other victims trained Aurors, Harry?"
"God! Do you think that simply because you're an Auror you're immune to danger? That sort of thinking is dangerous in itself. Won't you just consider letting me do this?"
"No, I won't."
"Well, that's that then, eh?" Harry softened his look and touched her cheek. "Cho..."
Tears filled her eyes, which surprised Harry. "Harry, please don't be too kind to me right now. Give me some time to... forget last night, would you?"
"If you would just listen, you would realize you don't need to forget anything."
Just as quickly as they'd filled with tears, her eyes hardened. "I don't understand you. You're certainly not the person I thought you were."
Harry drew in a hurt breath and stepped back from her so abruptly that she stumbled back. "If you honestly believe that, Cho, then we're done...on a personal level. On a professional level, I won't say another word about all of this. I'll be where I'm assigned to be, and I'll watch out for you with all that I am, but if you truly think me so... so... devious, then I see that you don't really know me at all."
Cho drew her brow together, looking completely confused. "How could I think otherwise? When a man cheats on his fiancée, he is devious. And to add injury to insult, you're acting as if you wouldn't mind continuing with us."
Harry smiled at her coldly and said, "I wouldn't have. It would've been nice to see where we could've taken this. But here you are, judging me without having all of the details, and you've decided I've fallen short." He shrugged. "I just hope you don't turn out the fool, Cho, on several accounts."
He turned and walked out, leaving her staring after him. Harry knew that he should have made her listen to him where Ginny was concerned, but she was damn quick to judge him, and he had to admit that her thoughts about his character stung a bit.
It didn't matter now. What mattered was that starting next week, they would be using Cho for bait, and he needed to be focused on that. The rest would have to wait.
~*~
Ginny lay in the bed, looking at her wedding band. It was very lovely. She wondered at the infinity symbol, though, and if Oliver knew what it meant.
He was currently singing in the shower. They had one last practice this morning before the big game tomorrow. Ginny wondered if Harry would be there... She shook her head. I can't think of Harry right now. But, Merlin, how I wish I could make this up to him!
When she heard the shower stop, she dropped her hand and lay on her side, watching as he walked out of the loo. Oliver walked out nude, unembarrassed and comfortable in his body.
"Enjoying the view, love?" he asked, smirking.
"Actually, yes I am," she told him. "Oliver, can I ask you something?"
"Sure," he told her, distracted as he searched for his practice uniform.
"Do you realize what the symbol on our bands stands for?"
Her husband stopped, frozen mid-reach for his jersey. Then shrugging nonchalantly, he said, "The infinity symbol? Yes, I'm aware of what the symbol itself means, but I just thought they were nice bands. Don't... um... read anything into it," he quickly said as he pulled the jersey over his head and reached for his trousers.
Ginny couldn't have said why that statement hurt her as she felt the same, but it did. "I see."
He turned to look at her as he was fastening his pants. Cocking his head, he asked, "Do you... Does it... mean something to you then?"
"NO!" she lied, a little too quickly, and he frowned. "No, not really. I just wondered if you were aware when we purchased the rings of the symbol's significance. That's all."
"Ginny..."
"I don't think I'll go with you to practice today. I'm going to finish my Christmas shopping while you're busy," she said, quickly changing the subject. It was getting too serious for her.
"I don't know about that. I don't like the thought of you going out alone. No, I think you should just come with me, and I can go with you after."
Ginny laughed. "Why ever not? Besides, I wasn't asking permission; I was letting you know of my plans."
"Because," he said through gritted teeth, "the last time we went shopping, some Italian Stallion tried to pick you up!"
Laughing harder, she asked, "Italian Stallion? Oh, my! Oliver, I can rebuff unwanted advances from men and stallions alike. You needn't worry about that at all."
"Unwanted? Shouldn't all advances other than mine be unwanted?"
Ginny sobered quickly. "That goes without saying."
"Does it? Does it really?"
Her husband was confusing her. "What are you on about?"
"If say, Harry were in Italy, would his advances be unwanted?"
Ginny's stomach twisted in knots. Did Oliver somehow know Harry was here and that she hadn't told him? And where was this sudden jealous possession coming from? "I don't want anyone except you, Oliver. That's the truth of it."
He turned from her as if he didn't want her to see his face. "I don't believe you. I think you still love him."
"Yes, I do still love Harry. I will always love Harry. He's like family to me. But it's not..."
"I see," he cut her off.
"No, I don't believe that you do. What I mean to say is that although I will always love Harry, obviously I don't love him in the way that a wife should love a husband, else I would never have done the charm, drunk or no."
Oliver cleared his throat. "Do you... Never mind. I need to go or I'm going to be late. If you want, wait until after practice, and I'll go shopping with you."
"I really want to go now. Honestly, I'll be just fine. I can't buy your gift with you right there, now can I?" she teased. "But I wouldn't mind going out to dinner after your practice."
"Okay. Fine. I'll see you afterwards then."
After he left, Ginny lifted her hand and studied her ring once more, more confused than ever. How could she possibly be feeling the beginnings of love for her husband when she still hurt so badly for Harry that it made her physically ill?
~*~
Ron stood scowling at his brother George. He'd gotten to work before eight that morning, needing to quickly distance himself from Luna. When he'd awoken, the little chit had been wrapped tightly around him, causing him to remember their more pleasant activities.
"So, little brother, you're going to run off to Ireland with your new bride! Well done! Belated honeymoon, is it?"
"Stop being a wanker! It's nothing like that. I just don't trust that Stanly bloke around her is all."
"What do you care if the specialist makes time with her? It would just take her off of your hands if he did succeed, eh?"
"I don't care! She's just... I dunno... too trusting, I suppose."
George smiled and then quickly placed a confused expression on his face. "She didn't strike me as the addled sort."
"What? I never said that! She's not addled! She's quite brilliant, actually, in an unassuming sort of way. You know, the kind of brilliance that just kind of sneaks up on you before it hits you between the eyes? Not scary, but definitely brilliant."
"So you say," George teased. "If you have to take the time off to go all the way to Ireland with some wench that you can't stand to be around just because she can't handle a pass or two..." he said, letting the sentence hang.
"George! What's wrong with you? Luna is not a wench! I thought you said you liked her? And she can handle herself and unwanted passes; it's just that she gets all caught up in her work and forgets to pay attention. And this Stanly, well, he's just the sort who would take advantage of that. That's all I'm saying."
George coughed, covering a chuckle. "I like your wife just fine, brother dear. And, well, if you don't mind sacrificing the time, I'm sure Angie can help us out for a week or so."
"Okay, thanks. I'll..."
"There you are, Ron!"
"Luna? What are you doing here?"
"Well, you left so early this morning! I know how cranky you get if you skip breakfast, so I wanted to bring you this plate of bangers and toast. Oh, hello, George. There's enough in there for you, too."
"Luna," Ron groaned. "You didn't have to do that. Really, you didn't."
"Oh, I know, silly, but you get so hungry! And you were so sweet, offering to share you bed with me because of the cold weather, even getting that extra wardrobe. I wanted to thank you."
"Offered to share his bed, did he? Rather noble of him, huh?" George razzed. "Cold weather my arse," he mumbled under his breath.
"No, really," Luna said, all seriousness. "It is rather cold in my room, what with no fireplace and all. All in all, it was very considerate of him."
"Oh, right. That's Ron! Considerate bloke, he is!"
"Anyhoo, I have to run. We've an early meeting this morning, and then I'd like to pick up some things for Ireland. Ron, is there anything I can get for you?"
"Meeting? With that Stanly fellow?"
"Ron," Luna said, exasperated. "Stanly is heading up the search. Naturally, he'll be there."
"I don't like him."
"So you've said. Many times. Now, is there anything that you need?"
"Not that I can think of right at the moment." As if suddenly remembering he didn't want them to act as a married couple would, Ron said, "I can pick up my own things, Luna. There's no need for you to do that. Or to bring me breakfast."
"Well, the food is a 'thank you,' and I was only offering to pick up something for you because I am already going to be out. Don't get yourself in a bother! Oh, I'm sorry to say that the wedding bands are no longer on sale. Hmm. Perhaps in Ireland. We can see."
Before Ron could comment, George burst out laughing, and Luna hurried out the door. "Silly woman," Ron said after she'd left. "We won't be needing wedding bands."
"If you say so, brother," was George's reply. "If you say so."
~*~
Hermione lay in the bed with her husband, awake while he slept for the first time since they'd gotten married. She was no fool and took advantage of the situation by studying him.
Or trying to study him, rather, as a part of his anatomy that she was very quickly becoming quite attached to began poking her in the stomach, feeling ready and eager to her.
She remembered what his reply was when she'd told him he'd not made any advances towards her. He'd told her, "Nor have you." She wondered if that meant that were she to make an advance, he would welcome it. Hermione highly doubted that he would refuse her.
Her only reluctance was that she didn't know how his moods were first thing in the morning, as he was generally up and about before her. She desperately wanted to find out. She desperately wanted a repeat of the night before...
Feeling bold, Hermione reached down and wrapped her hand around her husband, gently but firmly, and started to stoke him slowly.
"Mmm," he said without opening his eyes, and she became emboldened, stroking him a bit faster.
"Is there something that I can do for you, dear?" he teased as he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her a little closer, but not so close that she couldn't continue her attentions towards him.
"You do something for me?" she asked with mock aggravation. "It seems to me that I am doing something for you."
"So it would. But, please, do continue."
She laughed delightedly and scooted up some so that she could kiss him. The playful kiss soon turned heated, and Severus turned from his side to his back, lifting Hermione atop him. After positioning her, he slowly slid home, pushing into her. "I'm afraid you'll have to settle for one orgasm this morning, wife, as we are short for time. But, please, do enjoy."
She stayed still for a moment, placing her hands on his chest to balance herself. As she looked down into the smug face of her husband, Hermione's heart melted. It was obvious to her that he not only enjoyed the sex, but he was enjoying pleasing her...simply enjoying her.
She started rocking, slowly at first, loving the sensation of him filling her.
"Hermione," he said. "You feel so damned good. I love watching you ride me."
Her rhythm faltered, and she blushed a deep scarlet. "You... er... you feel good to me, too," she whispered.
He smiled and placed his hands on her thighs, rubbing small circles to add to her pleasure. The sensation caused her to pick up her pace. The faster she moved, the closer he circled to the place of their joining, until finally his thumb found her clit and he stroked furiously.
She bent slightly forward, curling her fingers into his chest as she chased her orgasm. Suddenly, she stiffened, and he grabbed her hips to still her as he pounded into her so that he could finish with her. They both cried out and stilled a moment later. Afterwards, she lay back beside him, placing her hand on his chest.
Sighing contentedly, Hermione told Severus, "I could get used to this."
"You know, I wouldn't mind waking this way a few days a week myself, provided I have potion in stock for these scratch marks."
Hermione jerked her head up. "Oh, my God. Severus, I'm so sorry. I didn't even realize."
"It's all right. I don't mind the scratches. I rather like them."
Hermione snorted. "You would."
Severus smirked. "Hermione, would you mind if I asked you a personal question I've been wondering about?"
"No," she answered, "but I reserve the right to refuse to answer."
"Fair enough. Tell me, why were you a virgin when we married?"
"Because I was saving myself!" she said indignantly.
"Saving yourself? For what?"
"For Ronald! What else?"
Severus laughed. "No, you weren't."
"How dare you? I most certainly was!" she informed him angrily.
"Hermione," he said gently, "if you'd been saving yourself for Weasley, then you would've slept with him long before now."
"I wanted us to wait for marriage. I wanted my wedding night to be special."
"If you truly loved...or even wanted...him, then it would have been special to you, virgin or no. No, something else held you back. What was it?"
She rolled on her back and slightly moved away from him so that they were no longer touching. "It just never felt right with him."
"I see."
Hermione laughed bitterly. "Do you? Because I don't. Make no mistake, I did love Ron. It's just that when we were alone, and things started to progress, it just felt... wrong to me, and I could never do it."
"I didn't mean to make you feel bad, Hermione. I apologize."
"It doesn't matter now, does it? We're both with someone else, and I'm sure with the way Luna feels about him, he's not been wanting for sex."
Severus stiffened. "This bothers you?"
"I don't know because I've never thought of it before." She thought a moment, then said, "No, I don't think that it does. I mainly feel guilty that I've hurt him."
"Yes, as you've said before. And as I've told you, it's understandable. But, at some point, you need to let that go."
Hermione nodded her agreement. "I know. Now, I'd better get up and get into the shower. I don't want to be late."
Getting up as she did, Severus told her as he followed her into the loo, "I think I'll join you." At her raised eyebrow, he told her, "To save time, of course."
"Of course," she agreed.
"I think I've changed my mind," Severus said as he stepped into the shower behind her. "I want you to come to Draco's wedding with me this weekend after all."
"Tomorrow?" she asked, panicked.
"Yes. What, do you have plans?"
"No! Nor do I have anything to wear! Damn it, Severus! Couldn't you have given me more notice?"
"If you'd rather not go, I'll understand," he told her in a clipped tone.
"Naturally I want to go with you!" Pulling her hair a bit, she said, mainly to herself, "I'll just have to send an owl and go into work late, that's all. Take an hour or so and stop by to pick up some new dress robes. Yes, that's what I'll dooo!" She squeaked the last word. "Ahhh, Severus! What are you doing?"
"Washing you, my dear. You seem too preoccupied to do so yourself."
Hermione stopped talking as she leaned back against the wall and let him wash her, very thoroughly. When he'd finished and handed her the cloth, she returned the favor, thinking that this had been her favorite morning as a married woman...so far.
-----
A/N: So sorry for the long wait! RL is kicking my arse at the moment!
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Latest 25 Reviews for Magical Betrothal
634 Reviews | 6.67/10 Average
Lol. that's too funny. I immediatly it was Draco not Cho. which is odd cause I'm not into slash all that much. Great job on the story.
Thank you, thoroughly enjoyed it!
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
Loved this story. The part with Cho and the serial killer was very exciting. I'm glad they all found true love, even daft, thick Ron.
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thank you so much! I am glad you loved it!
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thank you so much! I am glad you loved it!
I really liked the whole fic and the epilogue was just great. I really liked those couples, especially the Snapes. Who wouldn't want Severus? Lucky Hermione...
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! I know, she is rather lucky!
A very enjoyable ending.
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!
You won!!!... I'm so glad because this story was really really wonderfull... I don't read much WIPs but I'm glad I did now... and I must say I loved the ending... a little sad that it's over but I enjoyed it fully!
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
I know! Whoot! I am so happy you liked my fic! I'm glad you read it, too!
I'm so sad that this fic had to come to an end. I was quite enjoying the ups and downs, though I really like parts with Hermione and Severus the most. I think this was a wonderful story and you are a very talented writer. I hope to read more of your work as it becomes avilble. The ending was suprb. I loved the whole story.
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks so much! I am so happy you enjoyed it! I do have other fics on this site... just click on my name and it will take you to them. Glad you enjoyed my SS/HG!
I normally refuse to follow WIPs, but I made the exception for your story. And I am so glad I did! I espicially loved the pairings, other than the obvious HG/SS of course. The writing was really well done, and i will definately be checking out your other stories...as soon as I know who you are ;). Thanks for writing!
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks so much! I'm glad you gave it a read and enjoyed it!
I'm sorry I read this story too late to vote for it. I truly enjoyed it.
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
WOW. Thats all I can say. Very nicely written.
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks so much! WOW is good! ;-)
How/where do I vote for this story? It's absolutely amazing. A sequel would be awesome, too. Perhaps a five years later thing?
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thank you so much! I may consider it later on... Not sure! I don't know if you got the chance to vote, but it ended Sunday.
BLAM the happily ever after has hit! Now we need an epilouge set 15 years in the future will all the kids and their witchy names!
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks! Hmmm...
that was a fun story! congrats on finishing it.
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks Droxy! Glad you enjoyed it!
Wonderful story. I truly loved it and will mark it as a favorite when I can do so. It was so refreshing to read a story that focuses on more than one (and unusual) ships. Thanks mystery author.
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it enough to mark as a favorite!
Ehe, that was just grand!
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
Ah, truly wonderful ending. So great to see Ron getting over that major chip on his shoulder!
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thank you! Poor Ron! LOL
I am greatly relieved that all the marriages turned out to be happy ones. Especially Severus and Hermione's because I am a total SSHG shipper. It was nice to see their closeness at the anniversary party.
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it, especially my SS/HG!
Soul mates indeed! Thank you for the wonderful epilog. I was thrilled to read this, especially the final section where Severus finally removes all doubt. *big grin* This was (without a doubt) my favorite story of the whole challenge. *applauds*I rarely rate stories, but this is 5 stars!
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks! So glad you liked it! Whoot on my 5 starts!
Cute and fluffy--like a little bunny. Thanks.
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
I would totally squee but I'm like 10 years too old for that anymore... But this was just so...cute and fun! And can I say for like the thousandth time I LOVE OLIVER AND GINNY! And now I'm sad because I don't have anymore Oliver and Ginny... I'm usually just a SS/HG shipper but OW/GW stole the show for me in this fic. I could just keep writing or rambling on about how much I loved this story but I'll stop now and just say...This was awesome!
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks! Squee away--your age won't bother me! ;-) So glad you liked it! I am glad you liked my OW/GW. I've never written that couple before...
A very good chapter and ending squee for all the characters!
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks for the squee! Glad you enjoyed it!
Oh what a wonderful ending! Irish
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thank you, Irish!
I love the end. It's exactly what will make do sweet dreams. And I think I guess who you really are. I've just a couple of days to wait to be sure.
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thanks! Glad you liked the end! Tell me, who do you think I am? Of course, I can't tell you if you're right or wrong, but I'm curious to see if you've figured me out! ;-)
Response from snitchette (Reviewer)
I'm sorry I can't tell you cause I answered Southern Witch's Guessing Game. And I would hate to give a clue to others if I can help it. ;p
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Oh ok! Let me know in a couple of days if you were right then! ;-)
Response from snitchette (Reviewer)
I was right. Congratulations for your second place in the challenge.
Response from cocoachristy (Author of Magical Betrothal)
Thank you! Glad you guessed me!