At least, the newspapers didn't yet know I was dating a professor. Yet, it was probably only a matter of time because students had seen us together and even yesterday I'd heard some gossiping about me and Narcissa.
I had to spend at least an hour a day with every member of my peerage after all.
As I rounded the corner and approached the cafe, I let out a steadying breath, feeling the familiar aura of Tonks inside. My devil instincts and peerage bond allowed me to sense her clearly, almost like a gentle warmth waiting just beyond the door.
I pushed open the door, stepping quietly into the cafe. The interior was small and inviting, filled with comfortable booths and softly glowing lamps hanging low from the ceiling. Tonks spotted me immediately from her seat in the far corner, her face breaking into a relieved, slightly nervous smile. She waved cheerfully, though I could see the tension in her posture and the slight crease of worry in her forehead. I approached her table calmly, giving her a reassuring grin as I slid into the seat next to her.
"Wotcher, Harry," Tonks said quietly, giving my hand a brief, tight squeeze beneath the table. Her fingers felt slightly clammy, betraying how nervous she was about this meeting.
"You alright?" I asked softly, noticing how she chewed slightly on her lower lip, something she did whenever she was anxious.
Tonks blew out a breath, puffing a lock of bright pink hair from her face. "Honestly? I'm bloody terrified," she admitted with a small, sheepish chuckle. "I know Mum and Dad. They're great people, Harry-really wonderful-but they're going to absolutely freak out when we tell them everything. It's not just the devil stuff, or me quitting the Ministry. They're going to hear about you and Aunt Cissy... Merlin, they're gonna lose their minds."
I squeezed her hand gently, rubbing slow circles on the back of it with my thumb, trying to calm her down. "It'll be okay, Tonks. At least we're finally being upfront with them, right?"
She nodded slowly, visibly relaxing just a little at my words. "Yeah, you're right. Better to be honest about everything upfront. But-just promise me you won't be too shocked if Mum loses it and starts hexing us both...."
The cafe doors swung open and an older couple walked inside.
...
We stood near Hagrid's hut, right at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. I'd just left Hogsmeade after that disastrous meeting with Tonks' parents, and it was still several hours until dinner. Fortunately, Hermione had been waiting nearby, expecting I'd likely require a bit of patching up after that second meeting I was going to have today.
Clearly, she and the other girls had accurately predicted how Tonks' parents-particularly Andromeda-would react to the news we'd delivered.
Hermione was now kneeling on the soft grass directly in front of me, her gentle hands glowing softly with the distinct violet energy of her demonic magic as she carefully healed the blisters and bruises left on my arms. I winced slightly as she ran her fingertips gently over one particularly nasty burn, feeling the soothing coolness of her magic gradually ease the pain away.
Hermione was meticulous in everything she did, especially magic. She took her time examining each injury, her brow furrowed slightly in careful concentration. Occasionally she'd brush her thick curls away from her face, tucking them behind her ear so they wouldn't distract her from the delicate healing process.
Demonic magic wasn't traditionally known for healing, at least not compared to specialized human-witch spells or even Phoenix tears. Still, Hermione had obsessively studied healing techniques and human anatomy, poring over countless medical tomes and anatomical charts, determined to become proficient in something most others with demonic power just gave up on learning.
And clearly, her hard work had paid off. She could now perform healing magic with just as much skill and precision as someone like Madam Pomfrey.
As Hermione moved her fingers to my other arm, gently running her magic over a particularly vivid red welt left by one of Andromeda's hexes, I couldn't help but feel a grudging admiration for Tonks' mother. She was clearly powerful, a formidable witch who could easily leave lasting damage even on a near High-Class Devil like me. I shook my head slightly, remembering just how fiercely Andromeda had reacted upon learning about my relationship with her daughter-and her estranged sister Narcissa.
Hermione glanced up at my face, a small sympathetic smile on her lips as she examined a painful-looking bruise just under my left eye.
"Hold still, Harry," she said softly, bringing her fingertips carefully toward my cheekbone. Her voice was gentle and reassuring, clearly trying to ease some of my lingering tension. "This one looks especially bad. It's going to take just a moment longer."
I nodded carefully, keeping my head still and feeling the comforting warmth of her magic seeping gently into my skin. Within seconds, the dull throbbing beneath my eye began to fade, replaced by a soothing relief. I let out a grateful sigh, relaxing slightly as she moved her hands back down toward a stubborn blister on my wrist.
Hermione shook her head lightly as she continued to concentrate, glancing up at me through her lashes with a slight smirk playing across her lips. "Well, Harry," she said, sounding both amused and slightly exasperated, "I have to say, your meeting with Tonks' parents went just about as well as we all thought it would."
I raised an eyebrow slightly, giving her an exaggerated expression of mock offense.
"Really?" I replied, letting sarcasm color my tone as I watched her finish healing the last bruises on my forearm. "I had no idea you and the other girls were so certain I'd get hexed. Exactly how predictable do you all think I am?"
Hermione looked up at me again, her brown eyes sparkling playfully, clearly holding back laughter.
"Oh, come now, Harry," she said, her voice dripping with teasing warmth, "it wasn't necessarily you who was predictable-it was Andromeda's reaction to the news. Honestly, what exactly did you think she'd do when she found out her daughter had become a devil's servant, quit the Ministry, and was now romantically involved with you-oh, and let's not forget, you're also dating her estranged sister Narcissa?"
I chuckled ruefully, letting out a heavy sigh as Hermione finally stood up, brushing stray grass from her skirt. Her hands lingered for a moment on my healed arms, carefully inspecting them one final time to ensure she hadn't missed anything. She seemed satisfied, giving me a reassuring nod as she stepped back slightly.
I stretched lightly, testing my healed limbs. All pain and soreness had completely disappeared, thanks to Hermione's magic. I smiled warmly down at her, placing a grateful hand on her shoulder. "Thanks, Hermione," I said sincerely. "You really do incredible work. You're definitely at Madam Pomfrey's level, no question."
She blushed lightly at the compliment, her cheeks turning a faint pink as she averted her gaze briefly, clearly pleased by the praise. "You're welcome, Harry," she said softly, smiling shyly at me. Then her expression turned mischievous again, her eyes twinkling as she quickly added, "Anyway, if you must know-we might have even taken bets on exactly how Tonks' parents would react."
I stared at her for a second, momentarily surprised, then burst into laughter, shaking my head in disbelief. "Seriously?" I asked incredulously, grinning openly at her amused expression. "You all made bets on how badly I'd get hexed?"
Hermione giggled softly, her eyes brightening further as she tilted her head playfully. "Well, I suppose I should tell you that Lyna won the bet."
"Lyna?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow curiously. "Exactly how bad did she predict things would get?"
Hermione's smile widened into an outright grin, clearly enjoying my reaction. "Lyna guessed you'd return looking exactly like this-covered in bruises and blisters, in need of healing, and very unhappy. Though, admittedly, she underestimated just how much magical force Andromeda could put behind those hexes."
I laughed again, shaking my head and crossing my arms lightly over my chest, feigning an offended expression. It looked like I'd have to punish my naughty maid later for having so little faith in her amazing master...
Hermione gave me one last playful smirk and began turning away, clearly assuming we were finished here. However, before she could take more than a single step, I quickly reached out and gently grasped her slender wrist, stopping her.
She paused, her eyes widening slightly in surprise as she turned back toward me, confusion evident on her pretty face.
"Harry? Was there something else?" she asked softly, tilting her head slightly in curious question.
"Actually," I said slowly, stepping toward her with deliberate intent, a confident smile spreading over my lips. "I realize I haven't properly thanked you yet, Hermione. That's pretty rude of me, considering how much you just helped."
Her cheeks flushed gently pink, her soft lips curling up into a shy yet pleased smile. She lowered her gaze slightly, looking up at me through her thick lashes as she spoke quietly.
"You don't really have to thank me, Harry. You know I'm always happy to help you," she said softly, her tone warm and genuine. Still, I could easily see how much she enjoyed being appreciated.
"No," I replied calmly, taking another step closer until there were barely inches between us. "I insist. It's important to me that I show you how grateful I am, Hermione."
I placed a finger gently under her chin, lifting her head slightly so she was forced to meet my eyes directly. Her cheeks darkened further at the contact, her breathing growing a bit more rapid. I could feel her pulse quicken beneath my fingertips.
Her eyes widened slightly as I moved forward again, smoothly backing her up until her slender body was pressed firmly against the rough bark of the large oak tree directly behind her. Hermione gasped softly at the sudden contact, her chest rising and falling rapidly beneath her blouse. Her brown eyes stared into mine, full of anticipation and excitement.
"Harry-" she began breathlessly, but her words faded into a soft sigh as I pressed my lips passionately against hers, silencing her gently.
Hermione's lips were incredibly soft, warm and inviting against mine. I felt her initial tension melt away rapidly as she responded eagerly to my kiss, pressing herself closer and looping her arms around my neck. She sighed softly into my mouth, parting her lips slightly to allow my tongue entrance.
I kissed her deeply, hungrily, tasting the sweetness of her mouth as our tongues slowly intertwined. I carefully shifted my position, moving my right leg forward to gently press my knee between her thighs, applying just enough pressure to make her shiver.
Hermione moaned softly against my mouth, her hips rocking slightly in response to the intimate contact. She tightened her grip around my neck, her body trembling gently as I deepened our kiss further.
Slowly, I brought my right hand up along her side, feeling the smooth curves of her waist beneath the thin fabric of her blouse. I carefully traced small circles with my fingertips against her side, feeling her shiver at my touch.
Breaking the kiss gently, I leaned back slightly to meet her gaze. Hermione's face was flushed deeply pink, her breathing rapid and uneven. Her eyes were half-lidded, clearly clouded with desire as she stared at me.
"You know," she murmured softly, her voice slightly hoarse as she gave me a shy, heated smile, "I wasn't such a dirty woman before I met you, Mr. Sitri."
I chuckled warmly at her words, thoroughly amused by her blunt honesty. Reaching up with my free hand, I gently brushed aside a stray curl from her flushed face, tucking it tenderly behind her ear.
"Maybe not," I admitted lightly, leaning in closer again until our lips were mere inches apart, feeling her soft breath mingling with mine. "But I'm certainly not complaining."
Before she could reply, I captured her lips in another deep, heated kiss. Hermione responded immediately, gripping my shoulders tightly as she eagerly pressed herself closer. I felt her hips rock gently against my thigh, clearly seeking more of the pleasurable friction.
I pressed my knee forward again, feeling her tremble deliciously against me. She moaned softly into my lips, her delicate fingers digging slightly into my shoulders as our kiss grew even more passionate beneath the shade of the old oak tree.
Someone suddenly cleared their throat behind us, and Hermione and I broke our heated kiss, pulling back slowly. A thin strand of saliva momentarily lingered between our lips, stretching gently until Hermione glanced at me with a soft smile and deliberately licked it away. I swallowed, feeling my cheeks flush slightly at the blatantly intimate gesture, before both of us turned our heads to look at whoever had interrupted us.
Standing there with obvious discomfort was Lilja Nornas, the gorgeous new red-headed Slytherin transfer student. Her long crimson hair fell over her shoulders, framing her flushed, pale cheeks. Her vibrant green eyes glanced away nervously as she shifted her weight awkwardly from one foot to the other. Her slender fingers fidgeted anxiously with the strap of her bookbag as she cleared her throat again.
"I-um, sorry for interrupting," Lilja said softly, a hint of embarrassment coloring her voice. "I really didn't mean to disturb anything."
She glanced briefly at Hermione, then quickly looked away, her gaze darting down to her feet. It seemed she didn't quite know how to handle this unexpected encounter, which was entirely understandable given what she'd just walked in on.
"No worries," Hermione said easily, breaking the brief silence first. She stepped away from the tree trunk behind her and straightened her Hogwarts uniform and skirt neatly, smoothing out a few minor creases in the fabric with calm confidence.
Hermione looked completely composed and unbothered, as though being caught passionately kissing beneath a tree was a perfectly normal occurrence for her. Well, at least this time we weren't caught half naked in a broom closet by Serafall...
Lilja blinked in surprise, clearly caught off-guard by Hermione's relaxed, welcoming response. She hesitantly looked up again, meeting Hermione's warm brown eyes with a cautious, uncertain expression.
"Hi, I'm Hermione Granger," Hermione continued with genuine friendliness, taking another small step toward Lilja. "You must be Lilja, right? Harry's talked about you a bit already-it's lovely to finally meet you."
