Take Me To Your Arms

Chapter 10

Harry’s POV

Harry pushed his chair back then patted his full stomach. It has been a while since he ate a proper British meal especially a delicious one like this. Hermione wasn't joking when she said that she was now a pretty decent cook. And the treacle tart she made tasted heavenly. He made a note to himself to ask for the recipe later.

He winked at her then said to Ron, "You are very lucky to get a wife that can cook for you, Ronniekins!"

Ron blatantly ignored his teasing and looked lovingly at his fiancée.

"Yeah, I'm so lucky," said Ron softly as he placed his hand on top of her hand.

Harry made a gagging noise, "Get a room, you two!"

He yelped when she delivered a sharp kick under the table.

"Ron, she's playing footsie with me!" said Harry scandalized as he rubbed his injury.

Ron snorted at him. "I might get jealous if I don't know better."

Harry hid his grin. He had come out to them. He had said that he might be gay or at least bisexual after he realized his feeling for Severus. Ron had freaked out, feared that Harry might like him. Though, his best friend turned out to be pretty accepting when he explained that he didn't like him that way. While Hermione wasn't even surprised, she said that she had suspected that for some time.

Ever the know-it-all, he thought fondly of the memories.

"I always get abused," he pouted sulkily.

He got a twin snort from the couple which was soon turned into guffaws, and then loud laughter. Harry lifted his chin haughtily, pretending to be offended. But it didn't last long before he too joined in too.

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Their faces were red and they were out of breath when the laughter finally subsided. It was so easy to act childish when he spent time with his best friends.

"So, why did you come back?" Hermione asked once they had moved into the living room to enjoy their drinks.

Harry bit his lip and said with a hurt expression, "And here I thought, you all miss me."

Hermione snorted into her cup of tea.

"Seriously, mate! We really thought we'll never see you again!" said Ron.

Harry mentally sighed. It was probably not that hard to get that conclusion. He avoided coming back to England with one reason and another even when it was a holiday. At some point, they stopped trying to convince him to come back since it was clearly a hopeless case.

Harry countered it with a question, "Should there be a reason for me not to come back?"

"Cut it out!" Hermione rolled her eyes and said, "You're not fooling anyone, Harry."

Harry rubbed his nose sheepishly then stared wistfully at his own cup.

"You might say that I got my wish granted," he said, smiling.

"Oh!" Hermione said, her eyes widening.

She beamed at him. "Congrats, I'm so happy for you, Harry!"

"What?" Ron asked confusedly. "What wish??"

"Ron!" Hermione huffed in agitation at her fiancée's thick headedness. "It means that Harry got his man!"

My man. Harry felt his face burning hot. Thank Merlin; Severus isn't here to hear that!

Ron's eyes went wide then he made a face.

"I'm not sure I want to know about that," said Ron gingerly.

Hermione smacked Ron's head hard.

"Ouch, 'Mione!" protested Ron.

Hermione crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Ron. She made a motion towards him with her eyes.

"Ah," Ron went pale which was pretty funny to watch then the red haired man turned to look at him apologetically. "No offense, mate! I don't mean it like that. It's just..." The red haired man shuddered. "It's like watching your parents get intimate, you know. And I've always think of you as one of my brother. So..." Ron cringed. "Keep it to a minimum if you can."

"OK, I won't tell much to you, Ron." He grinned, "I'll keep it minimum."

Ron grinned back at him. Hermione shook her head, amused.

Harry rummaged his pocket and pulled out tiny package. Then he waved his wand to enlarge the package. It was wrapped in red paper with a golden ribbon.

"Here, my present for your new home," he said as he put it on the table.

"Go on, open it," He said when they looked at him questioningly.

Ron took it from the table, shredded the wrapper then opened the box, uncovering an antique salt and pepper holder with Chudley Cannons' logo on it.

Harry shrugged, "I've read on the papers that Chudley Cannons has been into winning streaks after you joined it."

"I know it's a bit late but…" He said earnestly to Ron, "Congrats, Ron!"

The red haired man had been scouted as a keeper into that Quidditch team after he had graduated from Hogwarts.

Ron gawped at him for a few seconds before pounded on his back, undoubtedly touched.

"Blimey, mate!" exclaimed Ron.

"Not so hard, Ron!" protested Harry, laughing.

Hermione smiled tenderly at them then asked Ron to put the holders in the kitchen.

"You've made him very happy," said Hermione softly. "Thank you, Harry."

Harry knew it was more than an object. It was recognition for Ron's hard work which was in his opinion nothing much compared to what his best friends had done for him.

"No, I'm the one that supposed to be thankful." Harry smiled. "You've helped me to clean up Sirius's home."

"Harry, I barely did anything, Dobby did most of it," she swatted him playfully.

Harry grinned at her.

"Are you sure you didn't want to stay here with us?" asked Hermione.

Harry shook his head, "No, that's a bit too much with all these love in the air, I might get choked."

Hermione rolled her eyes and teased him, "Oh-ho, not because you want to be lovey-dovey with your boyfriend?"

"Mione!" said Harry, blushed hotly.

Hermione chuckled at him.

"So when you are going to introduce him to us?" asked Hermione.

Harry blinked, suddenly felt nervous, "I—err..."

He wasn't sure Severus would appreciate to let everyone know about their relationship. After all, he hadn't talked to the man about this. Or more likely, he was too busy worrying how to woo Severus to think anything else.

She smiled gently at him.

"It's OK to do that when you are ready, just know that we won't judge you," said Hermione.

Harry nodded gratefully at her.

"So what's your plan for tomorrow?" asked Hermione.

"Ministry, I guess," replied Harry.

And Severus, he added inwardly.

Harry yawned then rubbed his eyes tiredly.

"Oh, you must be tired from the journey!" said Hermione worriedly. "Go get some rest, Harry!"

“I will,” Harry nodded. "I think I'd better go back now."

"Ron! Harry's leaving!" called Hermione.

Ron got out from the kitchen. "Are you leaving, mate?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah, I'll visit again later."

Ron slapped his shoulder. "You should, don't be a stranger, Harry!"

Harry smiled at him, "I won't!"

Harry took his coat and they walked him up to the front door. He yawned again.

"Go on, sleepy head," said Hermione.

"Night, 'Mione," He grinned at his best friends. "Night, Ronniekins!

Ron let out a protest yell but Hermione shushed him.

He waited until they said night back at him then Disapparated with a loud crack.

End of Chapter 10

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Firstly, a huge thanks to my Beta, Cazzylove ^_^ And I’d like to apologize to all readers for another super short chapter. The next chapter will probably contain Mature theme (I’m not good at Mature theme but I promise I’ll try my best).  I think it’s time to put ‘Mature’ chapter in supposedly ‘Mature’ rating ficcy…  XD *slap head for put it off for so long* As usual, any review will be welcomed very warmly.