The Things We Do For Love

Subtraction

In the aftermath of the revelation of their newfound relationship, Harry and Hermione opted to take walks on the beach together to find some semblance of peace away from the tense situation within Shell Cottage. Unlike their first night, the walks didn't devolve into sex despite multiple prompts from Hermione. Harry began to hold himself back as subtly as he could because he wasn't quite sure that his girlfriend had recovered from her ordeal at Malfoy Manor only a short week ago. Like she always did, Hermione read his thoughts to a tee and cornered him during one of their walks. The sun had turned from its bright gold to a distinct blood orange as it got ready to dip below the horizon.

"I'm not made of glass, you know?" She offhandedly commented as they held hands along their stroll on the beach. When he cocked his head in confusion at her, she continued, "I know you've been holding back since that first night." Harry looked away guiltily at that and she stopped in her tracks to pull his face back to her. His stubble had evolved into an infant beard and his hair was still its messy style albeit a bit longer. To her, he looked delectable and she couldn't stop the heat from pooling in her center. It was over three days since he last made love to her and she was getting antsy, sometimes having to sneak off to bring herself to completion without him because of his idiotic stubbornness.

"You need rest," her boyfriend softly responded, struggling to meet her eyes but taking her small waist in his large hands nonetheless. She made to reply but he surprised her when she was suddenly lifted into his arms in act reminiscent of their first night together as a couple. "I know what you're going to say but I noticed you've been sore since that night three days ago," he added with a blush tinting his cheeks.

Hermione, to his surprise, only giggled at him in response as she leaned forward with a devilish smirk on her lips. "Think a lot of yourself, Potter? How do you know it's not leftover effects from the manor?" She jested to him, immediately regretting it when his shy expression disappeared and was replaced by a worried one. "I'm joking, Harry," she placated instantly but the words didn't take.

"Don't joke about that, you're still recovering and that's nothing to make jokes about," Harry placed her back on her feet—a motion she hated—and regarded her firmly, "are you still feeling anything from that bit—madwoman?"

At that, the brown haired witch grew annoyed with her overprotective lover. She stepped towards him slightly and placed her small hands on his broad chest, looking up at him with frustration written in her chocolates pools. "It was just a joke and I've said multiple times that I'm fine," she kissed the underside of his jaw and nipped at it, drawing a hiss from him, "the only thing I'm still feeling the effects from is you." He blushed at that again and the moment was lightened considerably.

"Cruciatus takes a while to recover from, not to mention that ruddy scar on your forearm," Harry once again reasoned much to Hermione's chagrin. Sensing that she was about to launch into a tirade, he knelt to the ground and sat on the sand before pulling her onto his lap so she could straddle him. "I'm just saying, I know what it's like to deal with it and I don't want you think that I think you're weak or anything for being still hurt or traumatized." The concern shone in his jade orbs was enough to stifle Hermione's annoyance at him as she gazed at him tenderly, a warm smile on her face.

"Much of my recovery is owed to you," Hermione placed a chaste kiss on his cheek, "and the fact that you told me you loved me. How could I be hurt and traumatized still when I know I have you by my side?" He shook his head at her with a wry smile but she could tell she was getting through to him. When he began to chuckle, she giggled atop his lap and planted another kiss on the corner of his mouth.

"You're doing wonders for my ego, I didn't know that my mere presence was enough to ward off the cruciatus," Harry quipped in return, drawing a melodious laugh from the girl on his lap. All too suddenly, he became hyper aware of her position against his...area and felt himself growing hard. "Herm..." a stifled growl escaped him as she ground on him, her eyes wicked with desire and intent.