Blind No More Chapter 1, a harry potter fanfic

A/N: I don't own Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling this.

Thoughts are in italic

BLIND NO MORE

By: tweety-src-clt9

Chapter One: The Flames Ignite

It's been six months since the Battle of Hogwarts ended. Voldemort is dead, the wizarding world is healing, and for the first time since Harry Potter became part of the world of magic, he finally feels normal. Well, as normal as any other eighteen year old teenage male in spite of being known as the Man-Who-Conquered or whatever the press calls him these days. At the start of the school year, Harry's life in Hogwarts seemed to turn back to the way it was. Homework (which is now more intense given it's N.E.W.T year), hanging out in the Gryffindor common room, Quidditch, and just spending time with Hermione and Ron. Everything was back to normal - well as normal as it was with the added responsibility of being Head Boy. Ron is the Quidditch captain, after all his best mate is the biggest Quidditch fan he's ever met. All is well in Harry's world except for the crazy fan girls. If the ladies were all over him during sixth year when he was named the "Chosen One", well you can't imagine how insane they were being now. Girls follow him everywhere except restricted areas like the comfort room, lockers, and well you get the picture. It's hard to find a girl who's just interested in "Just Harry". Apparently, he's never going to be "Just Harry".

Without constantly watching his back for a Voldemort attack, he's now plagued by the normalcy of his teenage hormones which were on overdrive given this being the first time that he has nothing important to think about also known as defeating Voldemort. Without the dark wanker, his hormones dominate most of his thoughts. While there were many girls to choose from, he has applied a can look but can't touch policy after all, most girls just want to snag the Harry Potter. Despite this policy, he does enjoy the company of the ladies (and it's all innocent mind you). In fact, he constantly enjoys the company of random girls in every Hogsmeade weekend. Of course, he makes sure that each girl he brings there understands the rule that it's only a one time date and they should have no further expectations. It's all innocent fun - a walk around the village, mild flirting, drinks at the Three Broomsticks, light conversation, and a kiss to the cheek to end the date. He's not looking for a girlfriend but that doesn't mean that he can't enjoy a fun day with a pretty girl on his arm. Many girls agree with this setup since a lot of them want to be seen on a date with the Harry Potter. He's also made sure to never be seen with the same girl on a Hogsmeade weekend ever. The only girl who's always seen to be in his company is Hermione Granger - his bestest friend in the entire world.

It was some time in December when Harry began to notice a change in his daily Hogwarts routine. He didn't know what it was but there was something definitely wrong. He'll have to analyze (I'm pulling a Hermione here) the situation first to find out what's different since he wasn't sure. He just knows that something changed. He definitely should find out. Maybe I should ask Hermione if she notices something. After all, nothing ever escapes her notice. With that thought settled, he hurriedly made his way down to the head's common room to wait for the head girl so they could go down to the Great Hall together.

"What's taking Hermione so long?", he said after checking his watch and seeing that it's already eight in the morning. Hermione is never late for anything. She should have been down here by 7:30. That's the latest she's ever been. Ever.

"Hermione? You there?", he called out in a loud voice to check on her. Maybe she overslept. Damn! Maybe she's sick. With those thoughts in mind, he hurriedly climbed the stairs and knocked on her door. When there was no response, he slowly opened the door and checked if she's still on her bed. Seeing no one there, he checked their shared bathroom only to find out that she's also not there. It then hit him that she left the common room without him. She's never left without waiting for me before. Excluding the time when I was a prat in third year due to that broomstick. And then there was in fourth year during the day of the second task in the Tri-Wiz tournament when she was taken into the Black Lake as Viktor Krum's hostage. With those thoughts in mind, he grabbed his bag and went down to the Great Hall.

"Morning Ron!", he greeted his best mate who was stuffing his face with breakfast. Ron merely nodded his head and continued eating. Noticing Hermione's absence, he asked if he's seen her. Once again, Ron just shook his head. Maybe she's in the hospital wing or in the library. Looking around the Gryffindor table he saw Neville and Ginny cozily sitting together. Who would have thought! Neville and Ginny. The best thing was the monster in his stomach that he used to feel every time Ginny was with Dean Thomas is long gone. Yes he knows that Ginny is a pretty girl but he doesn't feel any romantic feelings for her anymore. She's now just a good friend and his best mate's younger sister. Two weeks after their kiss at the final battle, Ginny asked him if he wants to get back together with her. He explained that he just needed time to feel normal and to cope with everything that has happened. She asked him if she should wait for him but he honestly told her no. "You shouldn't wait for me Ginny. It's not fair to you. Besides, I'm sure there are many guys who would want to be with you. I'm so sorry Ginny. I'm not the same Harry I once was. You'll always be special to me though. And I will always be your friend.", those were the words he said when they discussed their relationship. To be honest, he expected a slap on the face and a fit from Ginny, her being a Weasley and all - Weasleys are famous for their tempers after all. But to his surprise, Ginny understood. Sometime later, Neville was frequently seen at the Burrow and the rest is history.

"Nev? Gin? You guys seen Hermione?", he asked the couple.

"Sorry Harry. I didn't see Hermione.", Neville replied and Ginny merely nodded implying the same.

"Wrackspurts sure have been following you Harry. I mean they always have but right now, there are so many of them around you compared to when in your fifth and sixth year.", a dreamy voice said from behind him.

"Hi Luna!", he said.

"Hello Harry, Neville, Ginny. Ronald, chew your food properly.", the blonde witch said.

"You have to make sure Hermione is okay Harry. She seems to be confused these days.", Luna said with a faraway look. He was about to ask what she means by that when he followed herr gaze and saw something he's never seen before. Hermione Granger is sitting at the Ravenclaw table with Terry Booth. The two seem to be engaged in a serious conversation.

"Ron, Nev, Gin! I think I found Hermione.", he called to his friends and they followed his gaze to the Ravenclaw table. Like him, his three friends were left staring with their mouths hanging open.

"What's Hermione doing there with that 'Claw?", Ron said flabbergasted.

"Nothing's wrong with being a Ravenclaw, Ronald.", sain Luna in a voice that is a mixture of dreaminess and stern.

"Wow! Hermione and Terry! I've never seen that coming. That girl never said anything to me. Some friend! I'll have to corner her for a chitchat laters.", said Ginny.

"Well they make a good couple I guess. Terry is really smart, Love. And he seems nice I guess. Maybe Hermione fancies smart blokes. But then again, they could just be discussing homework or something.", said Neville.

"Please! You really think they're talking about Ancient Runes or Arithmancy right now?", said Ginny with a huff.

"Why Ancient Runes and Arithmancy?", Harry asked curious.

"Well duh, it's the only class Hermione has that we don't share with her. I mean all our other classes don't have assigned homeworks due yet and it's IMPOSSIBLE for Hermione to find a class difficult.", Ginny explained.

"No! No! That's not right. That 'Claw is not good enough for Hermione. Am I right, Harry? Besides we haven't even talked to this bloke about his intentions yet.", said Ron rather loudly and drawing the attention of people nearby.

"You jealous, Ron?", said Seamus Finnigan.

"What? Of course not. I used to fancy Hermione mate but after that kiss we shared during the final battle, well we talked things through, and -", Ron started to explain but he was cut-off by Dean Thomas.

"Woah! You kissed Hermione Granger? THE Hermione Granger?", said Dean in a tone filled with awe and disbelief.

"What's it like?", asked a lanky sixth year boy from Hufflepuff who walked by and overheard Ron's rather loud explanation.

"Yes! Tell us. I mean the only guy rumored to have kissed THE Hermione Granger is Viktor Krum. And well, he's Viktor Krum!", exclaimed a fifth year boy.

"Excuse me! How dare you ask about our best friend like that?", said Ron starting to get angry.

"You're a hero to us, sir. You're the second guy to have ever kissed THE Hermione Granger after all. And well, she's a goddess.", explained the fifth year.

"Hermione? A goddess?", exclaimed Ron with a chuckle.

"He's right mate. Most of the males of the entire wizarding world all fantasize about Hermione. I mean she's like the female version of Harry Potter, with the genius brains and all. No offense, Harry.", Seamus said.

"None taken, mate.", Harry said in a dry tone.

"Well, why is Hermione called THE Hermione Granger now? Since when did she get the THE in her name?", askes Ron sounding genuinely curious.

"Well Ronald, Hermione has always been great. She's beautiful inside and out. Plus, she's the smartest witch of the age. If I were a boy or into girls for that matter, I'd up and marry her before someone else snatches her up!", said Luna happily before walking to the Ravenclaw table.

"Well, Loon - I mean Luna there may have a point but seriously! A goddess! I mean blokes don't act around Hermione like that back in sixth year. Right, Harry?", said Ron looking at Harry.

"I guess it's because she's a hero and part of the Golden Trio then?", said Ginny.

"While you have a point there Gin, I don't think that's the only reason though.", said Dean.

"So true that mate. I mean the hero and the Golden Trio factor is not even the top reason on the list.", said Seamus as if recalling something.

"What list?", chorused Ron and Harry.

"You don't know about the list? The list on the Top 10 Sexiest Witches in Hogwarts of course.", replied Seamus.

"Do you know about the list Nev?", inquired Harry.

"Well… I saw it once Harry. I thought you and Ron knew about it.", replied Neville.

"I've never heard about that.", said Ron.

"Well, you see some fourth year Ravenclaw girl talked about the fairytale about Snow White. Story about being the fairest maiden in the land that kinda stuff and well she started a poll for each bloke in her year to list Top 10 of the hottest chicks in school and then the votes were tallied and then other blokes from different years knew about it and poof the list!", explained Seamus.

"I haven't voted on anything.", said Harry.

"Well you see Harry, seventh year blokes were asked to vote last. And well, they didn't ask you and Ron to vote since they figured you might get angry.", said Dean starting to get nervous since he saw a frown starting to form on Harry and Ron's faces.

"And why do you think that we would get angry?", asked Harry in a dangerously calm voice.

"Well since the seventh year blokes were asked to vote last, there was already a partial top 10 collected from votes of blokes from years one to six and well aside from the names, a list of reasons as to why said girls are on the list. And the reasons are well… ummm… rather… ehhh… vulgar...uhmmm… A bit…", said Seamus.

"Seamus, get me that list now.", said Harry in a voice that reminded everyone that this is the Man-Who-Conquered.

"Yes...sir…I mean, Harry.", and Seamus and Dean ran off to find the list.

"Just what the bloody hell is wrong with the blokes here?", exclaimed Ron and looking at Harry. Harry however didn't seem to hear Ron's rants since his mind was creating scenarios of how to torture these blokes who tend to look at Hermione like a sex object. Well, Hermione and the rest of the girls. And then the previous comments keep running through his head. Most of the males of the entire wizarding world all fantasize about Hermione. Hermione has always been great. She's beautiful inside and out. Plus, she's the smartest witch of the age. If I were a boy or into girls for that matter, I'd up and marry her before someone else snatches her up.

"Here is the list, Harry.", said Seamus handing the piece of parchment.

The Top 10 Sexiest Witches in Hogwarts for 1998 (official results)

Hermione Granger

Hottest witch indeed! Brown locks with golden highlights that are in luscious curls. Perfect set of breasts that ache to be touched. Nicest arse that's best for squeezing. Longest pair of legs that you want to wrap around you. So delicate and elegant but with the sharpest mind along with her fiery temper. Smartest witch of the age. Brains of the Golden Trio. War Hero. The ultimate fantasy to wank on.

"How dare they say those nasty things to my sister!?", shouted Ron angrily and interrupting Harry's reading.

"I'm gonna kill those bastards who wrote this.", said Harry in a low deadly tone not knowing that his hand was crushing the parchment so hard and with a bout of accidental magic, burning the paper. All that's left were ashes. He didn't even feel the burn marks in his hand.

"Ummm… Harry? You need to go to the hospital wing.", said Dean nervously.

"What?!", he yelled in a voice heard all throughout the Great Hall.

"Mr. Potter! Quiet down!", came the bellowing voice of Headmistress McGonagall.

Harry sat down and was still seething in uncontrolled anger not noticing that his hand was creating flames again.

"Harry! Your hand is burning!", shouted Ron calling the attention of everyone.

"Potter? What happened? You need to go the hospital wing!", said the headmistress. They didn't even notice her approach.

"Harry? Are you alright? You need to calm down.", said Hermione in a gentle tone while grasping Harry's right shoulder.

"Hermione?", he replied and slowing facing her.

"You need to calm down Harry. Take a deep breath and follow me. I'll take you to the hospital wing. Come on!", said Hermione while slowly guiding him to stand up and walk to the direction of the hospital wing.

"Ms. Granger make sure Mr. Potter gets those burn marks healed. And both of you are excused for the entire day. He might start his flames again and well, apparently he needs your help keeping calm.", the headmistress told them before they walked in the direction of Madam Pomfrey's office.

"Harry? What happened? Why are you so angry? I've never seen you this mad before. Not even Voldemort got you like this. And what's up with those flames? Have you ever done this before? What - ", Hermione started a series of questions when Harry held a hand up to show Hermione that his hand was flaming again.

"I don't want to talk about it yet Hermione. Let's just get me healed first and then I'll talk to you about it. Hell! I can't even say it, I'll just fucking show you the damned memory!", he replied in that low deadly tone.

"Oh-okay, Harry.", Hermione said stuttering.

As they entered the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey approached them.

"What's the matter this time Potter? I expected to not see much of you since -", Madam Pomfrey's rant was interrupted when she saw Harry's burning hand.

"Madam Pomfrey please don't ask questions yet. Harry is clearly not in the mood. Apparently, something happened a while ago that caused Harry to get so angry that his hand bursts in flames. We have to control his temper and heal the burns.", Hermione calmly explained.

"I'm sorry Potter. Here, lay down on a bed and I'll give you a calming draught to control your temper and we'll heal those burns.", Madam Pomfrey quickly looked for the required potions. After administering the potions and salve for the burns, Madam Pomfrey left for her office and left them alone.

"Are you feeling better now Harry?", inquired Hermione as she slowly rubbed his arm to help calm him down as she sat on a chair beside his bed. Harry only nodded and Hermione gave a sigh.

"I want to help you Harry. I want to understand what's the matter so I can help you keep calm.", she tried to gently coerce him to tell her the reason why he literally bursts into flames.

"I'll show you the memory Hermione. Just cast Legilimens. I'll bursts into flames again if I talk to you about it so might as well see the memory for yourself.", he replied.

"Okay, Harry. Just tell me when you're ready." When he nodded to her, Hermione grabbed her wand, looked into his eyes and uttered Legilimens.

Hermione saw the memory:

"Here is the list, Harry.", said Seamus handing the piece of parchment.

The Top 10 Sexiest Witches in Hogwarts for 1998 (official results)

Hermione Granger

"How dare they say those nasty things to my sister!?", shouted Ron angrily and interrupting Harry's reading.

When Hermione exited his mind, he saw her blushing red, the deepest flush on her cheeks that he's ever seen on her face since the first time he met her. She's so cute when she blushes. Damn! What am I thinking about? Calm yourself Potter!

"Now you see why I'm so angry, ''Mione?", he saw her nod and her cheeks flushed even more.

"Harry. I need you to promise me. You'll keep calm and take deep breaths and we'll discuss this with the headmistress once you feel better. I want you to promise me not to go after those boys who wrote that list. Promise me that whatever punishment the headmistress delivers, shall be enough for you.", Hermione looked into his eyes and he could see her chocolate brown ones.

"I promise Hermione.", he solemnly said as he gazed into her eyes.

"Good.", she smiled at him and then told him to get some sleep.