Chapter Text
The bus was stuffy and the seats were uncomfortable and she was sure she saw gum sticking out of the small overhead compartment, but she decided to ignore it. All was bearable, all was tolerable because she was going home for the summer with her two best friends in tow. The all-girls boarding school she attended really changed her over the years. The 11-year-old introvert with her head buried in books turned into a semi-introvert with a few good friends and a pinch of confidence, as well as a head full of ideas for the future. However, this was her first whole summer back home after many spent traveling abroad with her classmates and she was nervous to reconnect with her childhood friends. Sure, she was in touch through social media, but meeting them all again properly after 7 years of minimum contact filled her with trepidation. Good thing her two best girlfriends decided to tag along for half of the summer before they would all leave for college.
“Ok, Hermione, spill. I need to know everything about everybody we are going to meet.” Lavender announced. “We are but an hour away and you can’t keep avoiding it.”
“I already told you numerous times, Lav!” Hermione smiled, she knew what her gossipy girlfriend was after, but enjoyed keeping her in the dark.
Parvati turned her head from her seat opposite her friends and pulled off her headphones.
“Is she at it again?” She asked with a smirk.
“Yes, I am at it again! For the love of all things randy – and by that I mean me – spill the beans girlfriend!” Lavender exclaimed.
“Ok, ok, fiiiine, you barmy woman.” Hermione laughed and held her hands up in surrender. Parvati leaned forward so she could hear better.
“So, like I already told you – my dearest friends were Ginny and Hannah who are practically neighbors - ”
“Skip the girls.” Lavender interrupted.
“You are beyond help,” Hermione replied.
“You try living in an only girls boarding school with pent-up yearnings! Oh, wait – you were there! I cannot believe you two don’t share my frustrations!”
“Drama queen.” Said Parvati and they all chuckled.
“Aaanyway, as for the boys… So, there is Harry, but forget him – he only has eyes for Ginny, then there is Dean and Seamus who are both handsome in their own way, Dean is tall and dark, and Seamus is funny as hell, but very accident-prone. Then there is Neville, who is a sweetheart and seems to have become quite good-looking according to Hannah. Oh, and Cormac is very hot, but a bit of a sleazeball if you ask me. Maybe, he’s changed, I don’t know. Ernie and Justin hang out with them too, but we weren’t that close back then. I guess they are ok.”
“Fine, fine, good intro, will need more juicy details on-site,” Said Lavender, “But you failed to mention one particular boy if memory serves me right.” Lavender teased.
“Not to tease like this harlot, but what is the deal with Ron?” Parvati asked curiously. “You are always vague as hell when it comes to him and his brothers.”
“There is no big deal, ok? It’s just… We were really good friends as kids, I hung out with Ron, Ginny, and their twin brothers all the time, but… I guess I feel kind of ashamed I wasn’t there for them after the accident.” Hermione felt a knot in her stomach.
“If I recall, that was two years ago and we were in France for the summer. There was nothing you could have done.” Said Parvati.
“Yes, but still… I feel like I let them down, despite not being all that close at the time. It’s weird.” She concluded.
“I’m sorry darling, I didn’t mean to upset you. I may be a harlot, but I do have a heart!” Lavender embraced her tightly.
“You’re not a harlot, just randy as hell.” Replied Hermione with a smile.
“I’m glad I cheered you up. I told you a million times – don’t listen to everything that comes out of my mouth.” Lavender kissed her cheek and sat back down on her seat with a content huff.
Hermione stared out of the window. What about Ron? Hermione thought. She had no idea how much he had changed, he had no socials and she relied on tidbits of information Ginny shared with her from time to time. She was excited to see him three years ago when she stayed with her parents for two weeks before she went to Sweden with her school, but he worked shifts at the local grocer’s for most of her stay, and the disappointment of not meeting hit her harder than she anticipated. Sure, she had a crush on him when they were kids, but that was years ago. However, she couldn’t deny the little flutter of butterflies at the mention of his name and she felt utterly silly.
Ottery St. Catchpole – 20 miles, said the road sign. She was close to home.
***
Mr. and Mrs. Granger waved at them by the car as the girls picked up their luggage from the bus. Her dad was the first to snuggle her into a tight embrace, soon followed by her mum.
“We missed you so much darling, we are so happy you are home for the summer.” Mr. Granger kissed her forehead.
“Missed you both too, very much.” Hermione replied, turning to her friends, “Mum, Dad, this is Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil.” She said, waving at one, then the other. Both girls smiled and reached for Mr. Granger’s hand.
“Nice to meet you both, of course we know all about you.” Said Mrs. Granger and hugged both girls, “We are happy to have you.”
During the ride home Hermione pointed out the more important sights to the girls, as well as Hannah’s house which was about a mile down the road from the Granger’s house. She talked about how they all used to walk to school together and skip stones in the ponds along the way.
“They were a mischievous bunch,” Mr. Granger interrupted, “And as good as our Hermione might seem, the Weasley boys always managed to pull her into all sorts of trouble.” He said with a pensive smile.
“Mind you, nothing alarming, just the occasional egg splatters on old Mr. Filch’s window.” Mrs. Granger chuckled fondly at the memory.
“He never returned our balls!” Hermione protested and laughed.
“Molly sure had her hands full with those boys,” Mr. Granger followed, “Ah, poor Molly.” He sighed.
Silence fell among them, but Hermione felt confident enough to ask. “How are the Weasleys, Dad?”
“Well, we see Molly and Arthur at least once a week for tea and they seem better, as good as they can be I guess. Georgie is still struggling, and if it weren’t for Ron… Let’s just say he manages to keep George steady.” Her dad replied and they turned into the parking by the house.
“Here we are girls, Spatterdock house.”
Lavender and Parvati looked around in awe. It was a gorgeous house with a massive garden and a small pond in the middle surrounded by reeds and tall shrubs. It looked wild yet homey, with a few funny garden gnomes along the narrow path that lead to the front door. There was a patio with old-looking chairs and table and huge bean bags scattered about.
“Why Spatterdock, what does it mean?” Lavender asked curiously.
“Something to do with the original owner’s love for lilies – which are everywhere in our small pond and around the house, but he was very secretive, hence, Spatterdock. It’s another name for the waterlily.” Replied Hermione.
Lavender and Parvati settled in the guest bedroom, while Hermione pulled her luggage inside her childhood bedroom. Memories came flooding back instantly, as her mother did not touch or change a thing since she left for boarding school. She smiled at the photo pinned on the frame of her vanity. It was taken at random one day at the large pond near the Weasley’s house – George was caught with a frog in his hands pointed at the girls, Fred was smiling at the camera with Ron swinging on his back laughing, while Hermione, Ginny and Hannah were making funny faces frozen mid-jump as to avoid the frog in George’s hands. There was the flower drawing Hannah made for her pinned next to it and the intricate paper plane Ron shot at her open window the night before she left. His paper planes were always the winning kind and no other kid could compete, they were elaborate in design and could fly longer and higher than any other. He always refused to make them for others, but somehow he made an exception for Hermione that night, maybe because he thought he might never see her again. She didn’t have the heart to flatten it and take it with her, so she pinned it to her vanity. Looking at her knick-knacks she thought about how she really did miss all of them and decided to put all her efforts into reconnecting with her childhood friends this summer.
***
“Dinner was so good Mrs. Granger.” Lavender said with a satisfied grin.
“You are very welcome Lavander,” said Mrs. Granger. “So, what are your plans for the evening, girls?” She asked.
“Well, Hannah, Ginny and I have been texting and they have invited us for a get-together at the Bunker this evening.” Replied Hermione.
“Ah, the Bunker,” Said Mr. Granger with a smile, “Fond memories, right Jean?”
“Wouldn’t really call them fond, Hugo.” Mrs. Granger replied arching her eyebrow.
“What is the Bunker?” Parvati asked, stunned Hermione didn’t tell them and with the reaction of her parents.
“Oh, I totally forgot to tell you about it, since I’ve actually never been inside myself,” Hermione answered awkwardly.
“Ha, well, your generation took over while you were at school. You see girls, the Bunker is an interesting place here in Ottery, one of few,” Mr Granger laughed and continued, “It used to be this small packaging facility owned by one of the oldest Ottery families for generations, but then they shut it down some 50 years ago and moved to London. Anyway, the abandoned warehouse soon attracted the youths around here who were too young for the nightlife and over the years it became some kind of clubhouse for teens. There is an unwritten rule that when a generation turns sixteen they take command of it. You do need to be invited to get in, but it’s a fun mix of generations in the end. It’s like an Ottery yearbook since every generation leaves its mark with notes or drawings on the walls. Locals donate their old furniture and us old folks don’t interfere, since we all have fond memories of the place. At least we know where all our teenagers are.” He laughed.
“Sounds like fun,” Lavender replied, her eyes darting from Parvati to Hermione.
***
“So, first things first – what do we wear?” Asked Lavander, rummaging through her suitcase while Hermione and Parvati sat idly on Parvati’s bed.
“I think skirts are in order.” She threw several skirts on Parvati’s bed.
“I am NOT wearing any of yours, thank you very much. I prefer my arse covered.” Said Hermione laughing.
“Fine. See if I care, but you are wearing a skirt or I’ll pout.”
“I’ve only got my uniform skirt.”
“Oh, now that’s an idea!” Lavander’s eyes lit up. “The three of us should wear our uniform skirts! With a nice top of course.”
Hermione opened her mouth to reply, but as if reading her mind Lavander continued: “Yes, yes, you prefer your tits covered too. Parvati’s got some nice tit-covering tops.”
“Excuse me - ”
“No, she’s right Hermione. Your tops scream prude.” Parvati teased, and the three of them burst into giggles as Hermione tried to hit Parvati with a pillow.
“Also,” Lavander approached Hermione with a determined look, “Hair down.” She said, as she pulled two pens out of Hermione’s messy bun and raked her hand through her bush of curls.
“You look amazing like this.” She added and cupped her cheek.
***
Soon enough the girls were heading towards the Bunker, chatting and laughing all the way. When they arrived they could hear faint music playing, laughter and chatting. The Bunker seemed like a nice enough place. The path from the road toward the old building was lit with various fairy lights and the entrance was adorned with colorful Christmas lights. The building itself was robust, but the scarce windows didn’t seem broken and it seemed maintained with care. As the sun was setting, Hermione could see the elaborate graffiti which covered every inch of the walls. While approaching the entrance she could make out an otter with glasses and a top hat and what seemed like the Lady of the Lake.
“It’s beautiful.” She said absentmindedly.
“Are you nervous?” Parvati asked as they neared the entrance.
“Not at all.” She replied and took her friends by the hand as they opened the door.
“Hermione!” Hannah squealed and ran up to her, hugging her friend fiercely. Hannah didn’t stop talking as she lead Hermione through the room, happy to show off her old and new friends (her fierce hug extended to Parvati and Lavander who instantly felt at ease).
Hermione was swooped across the room and happily hugged Dean, Seamus, Neville, Susan, Ernie, and Justin, and just when it all felt a bit too much she heard a familiar voice.
“Oh, come on Hannah, let the woman breathe.” Ginny pushed the crowd aside and pulled her into a tight hug.
“I missed you. Now, let’s go sit down before you get trampled. Come on, move guys, the night is young, you will all get a chance to talk to Granger.” She said and lead Hermione to a blue table in the center of the room.
“Thanks for that, Gin.” Said Hermione feeling a bit flustered. Parvati and Lavander stayed with Hannah at the makeshift bar and were already holding up glasses and chatting with Dean and Seamus.
“You may not think it, but we really did miss you. I missed you. Texting just doesn’t cut it.”
“Thank you. I was a bit anxious seeing you all, but the welcome was more than appeasing.” She took in her surroundings. The room was dimly lit with three more round tables where she and Ginny sat, a shabby pool table in the middle with a low counter on the left, and a makeshift bar by the wall close to the entrance. The bar was filled with mismatched glasses and colorful bottles. There was a barely noticeable door on the far left of the bar, and another behind her.
“That’s the bathroom,” Ginny said as Hermione looked at it, “Girls only, the boys go outside, so it’s pretty clean.” She laughed. Soon she and Ginny were chatting away, and Ernie brought them drinks. They talked a bit about everything, but Hermione could not help but notice she avoided the topic of her brothers and family. She stirred in her chair, why was Ron not there?
“Wow,” Hermione thought, “This drink must be going to my head. Why am I so focused on Ron?”
“So, where are Harry and Ron?” She asked, sipping the last few drops from the drink that Ernie brought her fifteen minutes ago.
“Oh, they should be here any minute, they still work a shift at the grocer’s now and then. They should also bring a couple of kegs with them.” Ginny replied.
“I’ll go refill these, we have loads to talk about.” Ginny stood up and took both glasses to the bar when Parvati and Lavander slid onto the chairs next to Hermione.
“Your friends are awesome!” Lavender giggled. “Dean thinks Parvati’s cute.”
“Oh, shut it you.” Parvati giggled. “Although, he is a stunner.” She said, fanning her face dramatically.
“I am glad you two are enjoying yourselves,” Hermione said happily.
“Oh, hot bad boy alert.” Lavender chimed, her eyes fixed on the entrance. Hermione and Parvati turned their heads instantly and then she saw him. He stumbled inside carrying two kegs, one under each arm, his hair ever so flaming red, sporting a messy mohawk with faded sides. As he turned his head, she saw a large scar on his left side, reaching from his temple to behind his ear. His white t-shirt seemed to hide more scars because she saw a flash of white lines on his left arm as he moved around.
“The accident.” She thought.
“Oi mate, thanks for holding the door and all, but do make yourself useful, this shit is heavy. You can continue staring at my baby sister all night after we put these down.” He said loud enough for all to hear as he nudged the black-haired boy standing by the door.
“Har, har, har, let’s embarrass Harry before he even gets in. You arse.” Harry replied and took one keg, but not before he playfully punched Ron in the stomach.
“Yeeeees, Weasley is our king!” Seamus and Dean sang on repeat when they saw Ron with the kegs.
Ginny kissed Harry on the cheek and whispered something in Harry’s ear. Harry turned to Ron and obviously repeated what Ginny said and they both skimmed the room before they shot a quick look at Hermione. Ron whispered something back to Harry and ran his hand through his messy hair while Harry frowned, then shook his head. Ron turned his back to Hermione and continued talking to Harry, placing one hand on his shoulder before he tapped it twice and left to join Dean and Seamus who were already setting the keg under the tap. The girls watched this quick exchange and Lavender turned to Hermione.
“Well, that was odd. Are they not coming over to say hi?” Her face was puzzled.
Before Hermione could reply, she saw Harry approaching their table.
“Hey there stranger, long time no see.” He said with a welcoming smile and pulled Hermione into a warm hug.
“And you must be Lavender and Parvati.” Harry said, shaking the girls’ hands.
“So, I’m going to grab a beer, you girls need a refill?”
“We’ll come with you. I’m dying to see if Seamus is as accident-prone as Hermione said.” Lavender giggled as she watched Seamus fiddle with the tap. She took Parvati’s hand and they both stood up, grabbing their empty glasses.
“I can tell you right now, that tap is going to burst into flames only because Seamus is tampering with it.” Harry laughed. Hermione stood up and pressed her skirt down.
“You three go ahead, I’ll see if I can find Ginny.” She needed that drink really bad.
The three of them were already walking to the bar as Hermione scanned the room. Ron had disappeared from sight and she couldn’t help but let out a disappointed sigh. Where was all this nervousness coming from? Why did she care? She hasn’t seen him for so long, surely it’s just because he was acting so strange.
“Hey, hey, hey, this one is a bit stronger,” Ginny said, handing Hermione back her glass.
Hermione shook her head and took a long sip before sitting down again. Ginny took the spot opposite her, examining her face curiously.
“What’s on your mind, Granger?”
“I was thinking… We should do shots.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“I like where this is going,” Ginny replied and grinned. “Oi Ernie mate, shots for table two!” She shouted while raising her hand and waving at Ernie who gladly obliged.
Ginny poured eight shot glasses between them and Hermione was already regretting her decision.
“Why eight, Gin?” She asked, holding her breath. Some of their friends were already walking towards their table, curious to see what would happen next. Hermione felt her cheeks flush.
“I was thinking we should do a few rounds of ‘Two truths and a lie’ to make things interesting.”
“Oh, this is going to be soooo fun.” Said Lavender, standing next to Seamus, her head on his shoulder.
“I’ll go first so you can warm up, I am a few drinks ahead of you anyway.” Said Ginny teasingly.
“Ok, ok, the rest of you shut it, I don’t want you messing with my game. So, here goes: The first time I realized that I was hopelessly in love with Harry was at school when I was about thirteen. My dream is to become a professional athlete and when I was a kid I fell from the tree house and broke my ankle.”
“Well, you did go easy on me Gin since you forgot I was there when you broke your ankle and I know for a fact sport means everything to you, and as for the lie…” Hermione paused dramatically. “Harry told me when we were eleven that you turned beet-red and rushed out of the kitchen when he brought Ron his school notes one afternoon. I’m pretty sure that was the moment, Gin. He thought you were barmy.”
“Still do.” Harry chimed in and everybody burst into laughter as Ginny downed the shot.
“So, my turn. When I was a kid I used to read one book a week. I absolutely love my curls and I turned down a scholarship in Germany so I could be closer to home.” She finished.
“I am not even going to comment the first,” Ginny began, “And I am glad you love us all so much that you turned down z Germans. Now, bottoms up curl-hater.” She said victoriously.
Hermione felt her insides burn – the next few rounds Ginny stepped it up and Hermione found herself downing more shots than she anticipated. The crowd around them began to interfere, throwing in comments and guesses, cheering the girls when they took the shots, and soon enough the game was over when Ginny announced they should dance the alcohol out of their systems. Somebody turned up the volume and then it was just Ginny and Hermione at the table again.
“You held on like a true sport.” Ginny laughed.
“I think I might visit the loo,” Hermione answered. “Don’t worry, I won’t barf.” She added.
She did feel a bit lightheaded, but the music and the happy chatter in the room made her feel good. When she got out, all the tables were pushed aside and her friends were happily jumping to a loud punk-rock song. Parvati was very close to Dean, while Lavander was happily skipping while Seamus and Ernie stared at her bouncing chest. The scene made her smile and then she felt somebody’s eyes on her. She needn’t look far. Ron was leaning on the pool table watching her with a lopsided grin. She smiled nervously as she walked over to him. The alcohol did nothing for her, she felt as sober as ever.
“Hi there.” She said, her voice shrill.
“Hi there yourself.”
“So, um, where were you?” She said, waving her hands about.
“Around. Waiting.”
“Waiting for what?” She asked.
“Oh, do sit down.” He said, ignoring her question.
Hermione looked around and when he pointed to the small counter behind her. She pulled herself up and pulled her skirt over her knees, placing her hands awkwardly on top. As if conjured from thin air, Ron pulled out a chair and turned the back post toward Hermione, his long legs easily straddled it and he lazily rested his arms on the top rail.
“Oh, sure, you get the chair.” She rolled her eyes.
“One must earn a chair in the Bunker. Besides, I got a good view from here.” He said with a smirk.
“Are we to stare at each other’s crotches now? I would at least prefer a handshake beforehand.” She was wrong, the alcohol did do something for her. Where was this confidence coming from?
“Dirty, dirty mind you got there Granger. Who said anything about your bits?”
“Well, I see you’ve grown a lot, but managed not to grow up in the process.”
“Ouch, that hurt Granger, a stab right to the heart.” He said, reaching dramatically for his chest.
“But now that you brought it up… What color are your knickers?” He teased.
Hermione gasped. He was avoiding her all night and now this? “Are you serious?”
“Made you blush. You should relax Granger, school is over… Or is that stressing you out, that school is over?” She watched him as he slowly eyed her from top to bottom, resting his gaze a bit longer on her clenched tighs.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I am still processing the issue of my knickers.” She said sternly and crossed her arms.
“What is there to process?” He asked intrigued and stood up, pulling the chair from under him and pushing it aside. Hermione raked her eyes over his body, his broad shoulders, and strong arms, down to his muscular chest, and narrow hips. His faded jeans with a large hole on his right knee fitted him just right and Hermione suddenly clenched her tighs again, urging the feeling in her lower stomach to go away. What was happening? Were they flirting? Why was it so freaking hot all of a sudden? She quickly looked around, but nobody was watching them.
Ron walked over and leaned on his hip next to her, his left hand dangerously close to her knee. She noticed a small paper plane tattoo with a single red dot on its wing on the inside of his wrist and her eyes moved up his arm only to see deep white scars and three more paper plane tattoos on his upper arm. The bastard rolled up his sleeves above his shoulder, showing off more muscles than she could handle. Then she felt him lean closer and a chill rode down her spine.
“You see,” He whispered, only for her to hear, “I was thinking prudishly pink.” He finished, touching her thigh ever so gently with his fingertips. His piercing blue eyes challenged her to respond.
Hermione didn’t know what came over her, but her mouth was faster than her mind as she responded.
“I’m afraid you’re wrong. They’re black.”
“Is that so?” he said huskily and leaned in, his breath on her ear. She could smell the mix of alcohol and spearmint.
“What if I don’t believe you?” He pressed his nose to her cheek and slowly moved along her jawline, reaching her chin. He noticed she was firmly pressing her thighs closer together and hopelessly pulling at the hem of her skirt.
“Relax, will you?” He said, gently placing his hand on her knees before nudging her chin up with his nose and pressing a kiss on the corner of her mouth.
Hermione didn’t move, she felt her head, heart and center explode and before she could wrap her head around it, he pulled back and removed his hand, watching her curiously.
“We should just get it out of the way.” He said.
“Wha-whatnow?” She mumbled. “You haven’t bothered to greet me all night, and now I should know what ‘it’ means which is sending my mind into overdrive –“
“You’ve been sending my mind into overdrive too.” He interrupted.
“What-what do plan to do about it?” It was not the question she had in mind, but she blurted it out anyway. All she wanted was his hand back on her knees. This night was not at all as she imagined. Sure, she anticipated she would behave weirdly around him since the bubbling feeling in her stomach refused to go away and only grew stronger ever since she saw him at the door. She tried to deny it, but it was almost like a magnetic pull. She never felt like this for a boy and sensed that the years they hardly saw each other did not diminish the crush she had on him. However, this wasn’t a childish crush anymore, it was something far more.
“Come with me?” He asked, and she jumped off the counter. He gently pulled her away from the crowd which was too caught up in their own fun to notice them. They reached the hidden door near the bar and slipped inside. He closed the door behind them and she could hear a faint click. She scanned the dark room and saw an old red couch, a table and a dozen boxes scattered about the room. It looked like the room used to be an office. Ron walked over to her and hugged her from behind, placing his strong arms around her waist. He pushed her hair aside and found her ear again.
“You tell me when you want to stop.” He said and she nodded. Ron began to kiss her neck, moving slowly to her collarbone, while his hands grabbed hers as he lead her to the table.
“Stand here.” He whispered and placed her palms on the table, making her slightly arch forward. Hermione closed her eyes in anticipation and shivered under the gentle kisses he placed on her shoulder. He moved one hand over her stomach and further down while placing his other on her hip. Suddenly she felt his fingers moving her knickers and let out a gasp. He stopped.
“D-don’t stop.” She breathed.
She heard him groan as his fingers found their way into her very wet folds and she instinctively clenched her legs together, but he wasn’t having it. He pinned his foot between hers and pushed her legs apart, his fingers shooting jolts of pleasure inside her. Suddenly, he moved his other hand from her hip to her backside, under her skirt, over her bum, and into her knickers, and the rush of feeling both his hands press, rub and enter her felt so overwhelming that she leaned her head back on his shoulder and reached up, entwining her fingers on his neck. Her hips began to move to the rhythm of his fingers and he turned his mouth to her neck and kissed it hard, leaving his mark. He couldn’t stop himself from pulling her close and she felt his hardness press against her bum. A deep moan escaped her lips and she was done for. She was panting heavily, high as a kite, eyes still closed, when he pulled his hands out and embraced her. He pulled her onto his lap as he sat down on the couch, sending gentle kisses down her upper arms, her hands now in his hair, stroking absentmindedly.
“That was…. That was…” She tried to catch her breath.
“A means to an end.” He finished, stifling a groan.
“What do you mean?” She asked, turning her head slightly to see his face.
“Shut up for a bit, will you.” He said, closing his eyes and pulling her arms into her lap. They sat there for a few minutes when Hermione decided to break the silence.
“They are actually pink, you know.”
“Oh, you cheeky liar!” He exclaimed and his hands rushed to her stomach, tickling her all over as she burst into a fit of giggles, her legs squirming and kicking. He pushed her flat on the couch and continued to tickle her, pulling her closer by the hips, and found himself leaning on top of her, his knees between her legs, both of them out of breath. Her skirt was pooling around her waist, her knickers completely exposed. He looked down eagerly.
“I knew it.” He said with a cheeky grin, still panting. She reached for his neck when he pulled back.
“Let’s go dancing.” He said as he jumped to his feet. He extended his hand to her and she took it. Hermione hoped nobody noticed their absence. She had no idea how long they were gone. He pulled her up and in the next moment, they were jumping to an upbeat song among their friends. He let go of her hand, but stayed close and glanced at her as they laughed and pushed the bodies around them playfully, but she could not focus on dancing, not after what she just experienced in the small back room.
“I need to stop and drink something.” Hermione huffed and move out of the crowd. She settled at the table pushed against the back wall and Parvati soon joined her.
“Where have you been?” She asked straight away, but Hermione didn’t have time to reply, because Ron was walking up to them with two pints in hand.
“Here you go, Granger. Hi, I’m Ron.” He said and extended his hand to Parvati.
“Hi, I’m Parvati, nice to finally meet you. Wanna sit down?”
“Sure. Erm, sorry, did you want a drink?” Ron asked.
“Um, no, thanks. Dean’s got my glass. He promised me a refill.”
“Oh, good.” He said and sat down next to Parvati.
“Oh, I like this song. I think I haven’t heard it before.” Said Hermione, breaking the silence again.
“I reckon you wouldn’t recognize most of the songs on our playlist.” Ron teased, “It’s The Raconteurs, Steady, as She Goes.” He said, tapping his foot to the rhythm of the song.
“I will ignore your insult and say that I like it,” Hermione concluded.
“And I can relate to it,” Ron replied, standing up and finishing his pint before fishing out his phone from his back pocket. He checked it briefly and arched his brow.
“See you girls later.” He said as he walked away to join Harry and Neville at the bar.
Parvati’s mouth was open in amazement as she watched Ron walk away. “WHAT, was that about?” She asked, completely dumbfounded.
“Honestly, more than you know.” She said coyly.