Harry Potter and The Force of Magic Chapter 20 (A Girlfriend) (Patreon)

After his little talk with Snape, Harry, and Hermione wanted to Hang out before Christmas arrived, and without Ron, they wanted this to be special, just the two of them. Harry had promised Hermione that this Date would be one she never forgot and would be tomorrow morning.

As Harry made his way to the common room, the anticipation of flying on his broomstick filled him with excitement. When he arrived, he immediately opened one of the windows to let in the cool night air. With a swift movement, he hopped onto his broom and soared out of the window, relishing the feeling of freedom that came with flying. As he ascended higher, Harry's thoughts turned to Hermione, his brilliant friend who was always buried in a book. He knew exactly which window belonged to the third-year girls' dormitory, and he was almost positive that Hermione would still be awake, lost in one of her beloved books. Harry couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Hermione, always the studious one, keeping herself up late into the night. With a grin on his face, he flew towards the window, eager to surprise his friend.

Harry Potter soared through the cool night air on his trusty Firebolt broomstick. He glided past the towering turrets of Hogwarts Castle, his emerald green eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of danger. Eventually, he spotted the window of the third-year girls' dormitory in Gryffindor Tower. He gently tapped on the glass pane, careful not to make any noise that might alert the sleeping students inside.

As the moonlight filtered through the thick curtains, casting a gentle glow on the otherwise dark dormitory room, Harry tiptoed towards the window, feeling a rush of excitement and anticipation coursing through him. As he carefully peered inside, his heart skipped a beat at the sight that greeted him. Hermione was engrossed in a book, her delicate fingers turning the pages with effortless grace. But he knew he had to be cautious - Hermione's dorm mates were notorious for their deep slumber, and he didn't want to risk waking them up.

Hermione found herself drawn deeper and deeper into the pages of her book, her attention fully captivated by the charms and different types of magic abilities. The flickering candles cast long shadows across the stacks as she read on, oblivious to the passage of time, until a sudden knock on the window broke her concentration. Startled, she looked up from her book to see a familiar figure floating outside, silhouetted against the moonlit sky - it was Harry, suspended in midair on his trusty broomstick, a mischievous grin on his face. For a moment, Hermione couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy at the sight of him soaring free through the night while she remained tethered to the ground by her studies.

Hermione almost gasped but stopped herself knowing she would wake up her roommates. She slowly sat up and crept towards the window, her heart racing with anticipation. Hermione was stunned. She had never expected Harry to come to her window in the middle of the night, but there he was, looking up at her with a mischievous grin on his face. Harry had always been full of surprises, but this was something else entirely.

As she tiptoed towards the window, the moonlight bathed her in a silvery glow, casting a long shadow behind her. With a flick of her wand, she whispered a hushed incantation, weaving a silencing charm around the window frame to ensure that her roommates remained undisturbed in their slumber. Feeling a sense of relief wash over her, she gently pushed the window open, allowing a cool breeze to waft into the room, carrying with it the scent of dewy grass.

"Harry, what are you doing here? I thought we were supposed to hang out tomorrow morning?" Hermione whispered furiously at Harry for coming to the girl's domain with a broomstick.

He moved his broom a bit closer to the window, carefully avoiding the creaky window beneath near his feet. The moonlight streamed through the glass panes, casting a soft glow on Hermione's face as she turned to face him.

Harry looked at her with a guilty smile at Hermione. "Sorry, but I wanted to talk to you. Can't wait till morning." His words were tinged with a hint of desperation, a reflection of the urgency he felt to share his thoughts with his closest friend. As Hermione listened intently, the night air filled with the sound of their hushed voices.

Hermione sighed. She couldn't say no to him when he was like this. "Ok, go back to the common room. I'll be there in a couple of minutes." She said, and just as she was about to close the window and retreat into the safety of her dormitory, Harry's hand shot out and grabbed onto the frame, stopping her in her tracks. Hermione's heart skipped a beat as she turned to face him.

Harry shook his head, his messy black hair falling into his forehead as he did so. His emerald green eyes were filled with a sense of urgency as he looked intensely into Hermione's chocolate brown eyes. "No, come with me," he said firmly, his voice resonating with determination.

As Hermione gazed into Harry's eyes, she was taken aback by their intensity, feeling a little dazed as she tried to process the emotions that were swirling inside her. However, she quickly pulled herself out of her stupor when Harry suggested they go flying on his broomstick.

Panic rose in her voice as she blurted out, "What? You know I hate flying." "Trust me. I won't let anything happen to you." his assurance that he wouldn't let anything happen to her was enough to calm her nerves and convince her to give it a try. Motioning for her to join him on the broomstick, Hermione took a deep breath, put her trust in Harry.

Hermione often found herself unable to resist Harry's genuine and candid nature. Although she occasionally harbored feelings of frustration towards him for his unwavering honesty, she knew deep down that it was this very quality that made Harry the loyal and courageous friend that he was. As she reflected on their adventures together, Hermione realized she wouldn't have wanted Harry any other way. His honesty had saved them from countless dangerous situations, and his unwavering dedication to the truth was a constant source of inspiration and strength for her. Despite the occasional disagreements and misunderstandings that arose between them, Hermione knew that Harry's honesty was a fundamental part of who he was. She was grateful to have him as a friend, or even more than that.

"Ok, let me get a jacket. " Hermione said as she started moving back towards her bed.

"No," Harry stopped her. "Come with me. I'll keep you warm." He said softly. As he spoke softly, Hermione felt her heart skip a beat. His words had an effect on her that she couldn't quite explain. She knew she shouldn't be feeling this way, but she couldn't help it. Harry had a way of making her feel safe and protected, and at that moment, she couldn't resist his offer.

"Ok," Hermione said without thinking.

As the wind whistled through the trees and the new moon was high in the sky, Harry carefully flew his broomstick towards the open window, motioning for Hermione to join him. With a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, he encouraged her to take a seat in front of him, reassuring her that everything would be alright. Though Hermione was initially hesitant, she eventually climbed onto the window ledge, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried her best not to look down at the dizzying heights below. Despite her fear, she felt a sense of exhilaration and freedom as the wind whipped through her hair.

"Just look at me, Hermione. I won't let you fall." Harry's voice was firm and reassuring as he extended his hand toward Hermione. Hermione's heart was pounding in her chest as she looked into Harry's emerald green eyes, which were filled with determination and fierce protectiveness. At that moment, everything else around them faded away, and all she could see was Harry's face, etched with a look of unwavering confidence. She reached out and grasped Harry's outstretched hand tightly, feeling the strength and support that he offered.

As Harry gazed into Hermione's eyes, he couldn't resist the urge to reach out and take her hand, feeling the warmth and softness of her skin against his own. With a gentle tug, he helped her onto the broomstick, his heart racing at the thought of sharing this exhilarating experience with her. As Hermione settled herself comfortably, Harry's heart swelled with affection for his dear friend. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him in a warm embrace. He could feel the rise and fall of her chest against his own, her back completely pressed against his chest. Hermione felt safe and protected.

"Are you alright?" With his breath hot on her ear, Harry's whispered inquiry elicited a subtle nod from Hermione, her senses tingling from the electric charge pulsing through her veins. She couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and safety with Harry's close proximity, his mere presence a calming balm to her anxious nerves.

As Harry mounted his broom and began to ascend into the dark night sky, he felt a rush of excitement and adrenaline course through his veins. With Hermione tightly wrapped in his arms, he felt an overwhelming sense of protectiveness and a desire to keep her safe from harm. As the cool wind whipped through his hair and the stars twinkled above, Harry expertly maneuvered the broom with one hand while keeping the other hand securely around Hermione's waist.

As they soared through the air on his broomsticks, Harry and Hermione felt a sense of exhilaration that they had never experienced before. The wind rushed past them, tugging at their hair and clothes as they explored the magical castle of Hogwarts under the glittering night sky. Harry kept a watchful eye on Hermione, making sure that she was securely perched on his broomstick and wouldn't fall off. They swooped and dove, exploring every nook and cranny of the castle, from the towering turrets to the hidden passageways. As they flew, they felt a sense of freedom and joy that they would carry with them forever.

Finally made a flawless landing on the Astronomy tower, which stood tall and majestic under the new moon's light that shone brightly in the sky, almost like a beacon of hope. Hermione, with her face beaming with pride and excitement, gracefully dismounted from the broomstick, and Harry followed suit. As they stood on the tower, feeling the cool breeze that blew softly around them, Harry quickly cast a warming charm, which enveloped them both in a cozy and comforting aura, shielding them from the chilly night air.

The twinkling stars that adorned the sky seemed to be dancing in a cosmic symphony, and the luminous moon shone so brightly that it appeared as if the entire Hogwarts castle was bathed in a celestial glow. The soft whispers of the night breeze and the distant hooting of an owl added to the enchanting ambiance, making Harry and Hermione feel as though he was a part of something magical and otherworldly. He stood there for a while, taking in the beauty of the starry night and feeling grateful for being able to witness such a stunning spectacle.

As Harry's gaze shifted toward Hermione, he noticed she was staring at the sky with an unmatched sense of awe and wonder. His eyes followed in the direction of her stare, only to be completely mesmerized by the sight in front of him - Hermione in all her glory. Her hair cascaded down in loose waves, framing her face in a way that was both effortless and enchanting. She was dressed in simple flannel pajamas and a light blue shirt. The moonlight danced delicately off of her skin, illuminating her chocolate brown eyes and making them practically glow like molten gold. Never before had Harry seen her look so captivating, so breathtakingly beautiful. It was as if time had stopped, and the world revolved solely around Hermione and the magic she exuded.

"It's beautiful. Isn't it?" she said softly, turning her head to look at Harry, who was standing next to her. As she shifted her gaze, she noticed that Harry was looking at her with a warm, gentle expression on his face.

"Yes, it is," Harry replied, his voice barely above a whisper. Hermione couldn't help but feel her heart skip a beat as she realized that Harry wasn't just talking about the night sky. His eyes were fixed on her, and for a moment, she forgot about everything else around her. Blushing, she looked away, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

Hermione's curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't help but break the deafening silence that surrounded them. "So why are we here?" she inquired, her eyebrows raised inquisitively, her mind racing with all kinds of possibilities.

She had a gut feeling that Harry wouldn't have dragged her all the way to the astronomy tower unless it was something significant, and she was eager to know what it was.

Harry shifted uneasily, feeling a knot form in his stomach. He had been contemplating this conversation for weeks, and now that the moment was finally here, he wasn't sure how to proceed.

Taking a deep breath, he looked at Hermione and spoke hesitantly, "I wanted to talk to you regarding something." Hermione's heart skipped a beat as she noticed the apprehension in Harry's tone. She knew him too well to miss the signs of his unease, and she braced herself for what was about to come.

"Ok. So what is it?" Hermione said reassuringly, her voice filled with concern and empathy. "You know you can tell me anything," she added, hoping to ease some of the tension in Harry's mind.

Taking a deep breath, Harry gathered the courage to open up to his best friend. "Hermione, there's something I want to tell you," Harry said, his voice filled with a mix of nervousness and excitement.

Hermione was about to say something, but Harry quickly put his finger on her soft lips, signaling her to stop. "No, first it's my turn," Harry said with a roguish grin, feeling a sense of playful mischief. "You will not speak until it's your turn," he added, enjoying the suspense he was creating.

As Hermione listened to Harry's words, she couldn't help but roll her eyes in amusement. Despite her initial reaction, she still nodded in agreement, acknowledging the validity of his point. Harry, noticing the subtle gesture, removed his fingers from Hermione's soft lips reluctantly, feeling a sudden pang of regret as he did so. As he gazed up at the sky, he took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before he began speaking once again.

"You know, the last three years together. I enjoyed every moment we had together. When we were on a date with Tonks, I enjoyed it. I wouldn't mind if we could go on another date again. What I'm trying to say is that I like you." Harry said nervously, looking straight at Hermione, who smiled softly.

"I wouldn't mind Tonks tagging along," said Hermione with a small smile, "In fact, I quite enjoy her company. She's a breath of fresh air and always manages to lighten the mood." As Harry looked at Hermione, he couldn't help but feel his heart swell with affection for her.

He had been meaning to tell her how he felt for a long time, but the right words always seemed to escape him. However, before he could say anything, Hermione leaned in and planted a soft kiss on his lips, effectively silencing any thoughts that he had on the matter.

Harry's eyes widened in surprise as Hermione closed the distance between them, her lips meeting his in a fierce, passionate kiss. At first, he was stunned, his mind struggling to register what was happening, but as the moment's intensity washed over him, Harry's arms moved to encircle her, pulling her closer to him as he returned her kiss with equal fervor.

As they finally pulled apart, Harry's heart was racing, and he found himself unable to let go of Hermione, his fingers tangled in her hair as he held her close. For a long moment, they simply stood there, lost in each other's embrace, the world around them fading away until it was just the two of them together at that moment.

Hermione's heart raced as she looked deep into Harry's emerald-green eyes. With a smile that could light up a room, she took a deep breath and said, "I like you too, Harry," her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry's eyes widened with shock and amazement. He had never heard Hermione confess her feelings for him before.

With a sense of disbelief, Harry asked, "You do?" Hermione's smile grew wider as she nodded her head vigorously.

"Yes, Harry, since our second year," she exclaimed enthusiastically. Harry's face contorted into a mixture of emotions.

On one hand, he was thrilled to hear that Hermione reciprocated his feelings, but on the other, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. "Why didn't you tell me?" he asked despondently.

Hermione's expression softened as she placed a hand on Harry's arm. "I was too scared, Harry. I didn't want to ruin our friendship if you didn't feel the same way, and I'm not that beautiful," she admitted, her voice laced with vulnerability. Harry could see the sincerity in Hermione's eyes, and he knew he felt the same way about her.

As Harry gazed into Hermione's stunning eyes, he couldn't help but feel a rush of admiration and affection for her. With a gentle touch, he cupped her soft cheek in his hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against his palm. "My dearest Hermione," he whispered, "you are not only the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on but also the most intelligent and kind-hearted one." He couldn't resist leaning in to press a tender kiss on her lips, savoring the moment of blissful intimacy. Hermione's heart fluttered with joy and gratitude, knowing that Harry's words came from the depth of his heart. With a smile on her face, she returned the kiss, feeling their love and connection grow stronger with each passing moment.

Also, tears of happiness filled Hermione's eyes at Harry's words. She just shook her head.

Don't be sorry," she said softly, her voice laced with mixed emotions. "You didn't know how I felt about you. And it doesn't matter anymore because I couldn't have asked for more." As she spoke, she looked up at Harry, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

But then, as if by some miracle, the tears were gone, replaced by a wide grin that spread from ear to ear. It was a grin that Harry had never seen before, one that made his heart skip a beat.

Without hesitation, Harry reached out and wiped her tears away, his fingers gently against her cheeks. As he did, he couldn't help but notice how soft her skin was, how warm and inviting she felt. And then, before he knew what he was doing, he leaned in and kissed her again, his lips meeting hers in a fiery embrace that left them both breathless.

Weeks Later

As the chilly winter breeze filled the atmosphere, Harry's heart swelled with joy and anticipation. The time for Christmas had finally arrived, and he couldn't be more thrilled about it. Harry was over the moon to spend this year's Christmas in a cozy and inviting house with loving people. This would be the first time in his life that he would experience such warmth during the holiday season. He couldn't wait to sit by the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa and sharing stories with Tonks, who had become one of his closest confidantes. The thought of spending quality time with her made his heart race with excitement.

As the holidays approached, Tonks eagerly anticipated Harry's arrival at her family home, and she had made certain to express her parents' excitement over his visit. The mere thought of spending Christmas with Tonks had Harry's heart racing and his mind drifting off to the warm, cozy atmosphere of her family's home. Their relationship had blossomed over the past few weeks, with Tonks proving to be a dependable and supportive friend who was always there whenever Harry needed help. They had even gone out on a few "dates," although nothing beyond a simple kiss on the cheek had transpired between them. Tonks would often tease Harry, playfully hinting that his true reward would be revealed once he stepped through the doors of her family's home, sending a shiver of anticipation down his spine.

Same for Hermione, since they kissed in the tower, sometimes Harry couldn't stop himself from simply staring at her, awestruck by her beauty; his stares would make her giggle which he hoped was a good thing since he had no experience with girls, the Twins Weasley, of course, had volunteered to teach Harry everything he needed to know about the art of 'Seducing a Girl' but Ginny had bluntly told them to 'Fuck off and find girls for themselves if they're so good at it' and leave Harry alone.

As Harry prepared to leave the comfort and safety of his current abode, his mind began to wander to his upcoming destination: Tonks's house. With a curious yet cautious nature, he couldn't help but wonder what kind of people Tonks's parents were and how they would receive him. Would they be welcoming and kind or cold and distant? These questions swirled around in Harry's head as he packed his belongings, hoping to make an excellent first impression. Despite his reservations, one thing was certain in Harry's mind: Tonks's parents had to be better than the Dursleys. Reflecting on his past experiences with the cruel and neglectful Dursley family, Harry acknowledged that it wouldn't take much for Tonks's parents to do better.

As he bid farewell to some of his Gryffindor friends who had chosen to remain at Hogwarts, Harry Potter couldn't help but feel a sense of elation and anticipation course through him as he made his way down to Tonks, who was waiting for him with a wide and infectious grin plastered on her face. "Ready?" Tonks inquired, her eyes alight with excitement.

Harry's grin widened in response as he replied enthusiastically, "Of course, I'm absolutely thrilled at the prospect of meeting your family!"

Excitement and anticipation filled the air as Tonks announced that it was time to leave for the Hogwarts Floo. With a flick of her wand, she summoned her belongings and gracefully made her way toward the fireplace. Her long, magenta hair swayed with each step, adding to her already impressive presence. "My mother is waiting for us at home," she explained with a smile.

Before they could leave, Ron and Hermione suddenly appeared before them, their figures looming larger and larger as they approached. Hermione's lithe form was a blur as she sprinted towards Harry, her hair streaming behind her like a victory banner. With a joyful shout, she leaped into the air and flung herself at him, her arms wrapping around his neck in a fierce embrace that threatened to knock him off his feet. Harry felt a rush of warmth flood through him as he returned her hug, savoring the feeling of her familiar scent and the sound of her laughter in his ears.

"See you soon, Harry," Hermione said; as Hermione bid Harry farewell, her bushy hair cascaded over his face as she wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace, squeezing him tightly before eventually pulling away. But before she could completely let go, she leaned in and planted a soft kiss on his lips, causing Harry's face to turn a bright shade of red as he savored the feeling of her lips on his. Although it was a brief and subtle gesture, the sensation lingered with Harry.

As Ron grinned widely and gave Harry a thumbs up, he couldn't resist murmuring to Harry to "Kiss her back," causing Harry's cheeks to flush an even deeper shade of red. Meanwhile, Tonks watched the scene playfully, rolling her eyes in amusement at the sight of Harry and Hermione lost in their own world of lovey-dovey affection. While Tonks was glaring at Hermione, who had a triumphant smile as if she had just earned a score.

"That was for good luck," she muttered, her face turning a deep shade of crimson as she met his gaze. Harry couldn't help but grin mischievously, knowing he had the upper hand in their playful banter.

"I will need more luck," he taunted, winking at Hermione before leaning in for a kiss. However, Tonks, ever the vigilant protector, intervened and pulled Harry away before he could steal another moment with his beloved.

"One kiss is enough, Potter," Tonks said, trying to sound authoritative but failing miserably at it, much to Hermione's annoyance.

"Alright, see you later. Ron, send my regards to everyone." Harry said to his best mate, waving his hand at Ron; the latter smiled at him.

"Will do. Have fun with Tonks." Ron said with a big innocent smile, but his teasing tone made it obvious what he intended with his words. Tonks shook her head in annoyance, half convinced to turn into a big fire-breathing dragon to scare them away.

The first to enter the floo was Nymph, followed by Harry. "Residence, Tonks!" yelled Tonks, and soon the two of them had disappeared from Hogwarts.

The two of them appeared from the other side; this time, Harry didn't trip and fall to the ground.

"Welcome to the residence, Tonks, Harry," Nymph said with a smile showing her house to Harry, who had a bright smile; The residence's interior was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and a comfortable atmosphere that enveloped the senses. As Tonks led Harry through the various rooms, she couldn't help but notice the sparkle in his eyes and the broad grin etched across his face. It was clear that he was thoroughly enjoying the tour, taking in every detail with an infectious eagerness.

Tonks was delighted to have such a positive and enthusiastic guest, and she made it her mission to ensure that his stay was as enjoyable and memorable as possible. From the cozy guest room to the vibrant living area, Tonks showed Harry everything that her home had to offer, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in sharing her space with such a kind and welcoming individual.

In a place inside the house, hiding away, was one Sirius Black. He inhaled deeply, knowing soon he could reunite with his godson and be the family he truly deserved.