That Ship Has Sailed

Harry & Hermione

"Harry, did you get the celery for the soup like I asked?"

"Uh-" Harry stuttered.

"Harry," Hermione said scornfully, "Really, I ask you for one simple thi-"

Harry pulled out a bag of celery, a playful grin on his face and his eyebrow raised teasingly. Hermione sighed and took it, "You're definitely the son of a Marauder."

Harry grinned and put his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder, "Why did you need celery anyway?"

"It adds flavor," she replied, scooting sideways with difficulty Harry still held her while she tried cutting the celery. She sighed, "Why don't you go get Ron? It's time to come inside and he needs to wash up because I won't have dirty boys eating at my table."

Harry kissed her neck and left her side, going to the door and opening it. He stood and watched Ron in the yard as he tinkered with his car. He chuckled and walked over, hands in his pockets.

"That old beaut's been through a lot, eh?"

Ron looked up and stood, throwing a dirty cloth over his shoulder, "Yeah," he said, standing beside Harry and crossing his arms, gazing at the old, blue car, "Still gorgeous, though. She's a brat at times, but I wouldn't give 'er up for nothin'."

The car wobbled a bit in response before settling.

"'At's a good girl," Ron said, stroking the top of the car gently.

"Right, well, Min said to come wash up for dinner. Won't tolerate greasy hands at her table."

"Right, well, I'd best shower, then, shouldn't I?" Ron chuckled, looking down at his arms and clothes which were stained with grease and dirt.

"You could use your wand, it'd be faster."

"Min doesn't like me using it around here. Y'know, I don't know why you two insist on living around muggles. Going to work and cooking and cleaning."

"You could move out if you don't like it."

Ron shrugged, "Well, it's better than rooming with George."

Harry laughed, "I imagine it'it'd be fun. Still, Ginny and Neville?"

"I don't fancy hearing them go at it every night," Ron made a face.

Harry grinned and shook his head, leading the way back inside. Hermione had set the table most of the way and when she saw Ron, her eyes widened, but she didn't say a word. Harry laughed, "He's showering, Min," he said, "Don't fret."

Hermione left the room and Harry pat Ron's shoulder, "Best get on with it."

"Yeah," Ron said, "Best do that."

Harry chuckled and joined Hermione in the kitchen while Ron left to shower. She gave him a desperate look and Harry took her shoulders in his hands, "He's cleaning up. Don't worry."

"It's not that. I love him and all, but he's always working on that car and he never helps me or puts in his share. Rent isn't cheap around here, but if he wants to share a home, he has to help."
"I know, Hermione, I know, but he doesn't have any other place to go. We'll be fine. It's not like he's coming between us."

Hermione smiled slightly, "I know, but-"

"But nothing," Harry interrupted, "He's our best friend and he's staying. I will tell him to help you around the house."

"That's all I want," Hermione smiled.

Harry nodded, "Okay. I'll tell him at dinner."

Hermione nodded and turned to pick up a platter of bread.

"Oi, forgetting something, aren't you?" Harry said.

Hermione looked around, "Bread, salad, soup-"

"Not food," Harry said, taking Hermione's chin in his fingers. She kissed him quickly, then pulled away, pushing gently past him with a smile on her face. Harry grabbed her arm and she spun around, facing him again and almost dropping the bread.

"Harry, Ron will-"

"He takes long showers," Harry said, taking Hermione's waist in his hands and pulling her closer, leaning down to press his lips to hers. She closed her eyes and Harry smiled into the kiss and opened his mouth, deepening the kiss. Hermione's hand that held the platter of bread started lowering and Harry caught it just before she dropped it, pausing the kiss to set it back on the counter before turning back to his girlfriend.

He smiled and tilted his head, catching her lips against his again. Her arms wrapped around his neck and he held her close as he kissed her.

"Hey," he whispered against her lips.

"What?" She whispered back.

"I love you."

"I love you too," she replied, kissing him once more before pulling away and picking up her plate of bread again. Harry grinned as he watched her leave the room, then followed her into the dining room, gently caressing her back before taking his seat at the table. She smiled and kissed him once more before sitting and pouring the wine as they waited for Ron.