An Unlikely Hero
By: Dracoismyredkryptonite
Prologue
A girl with only slightly wavy brown hair sprinted up to a sleeping boy enthusiastically.
"Wake up lazy bones!" Hermione announced, yanking the covers off. The young man squinted up at her with one emerald eye; then rubbing his scar lightly, he groaned and rolled over.
"Get out of my room, Herms", Harry mumbled through his pillow. Hermione narrowed her dark honey colored eyes at him in defiance. She cleared her throat noisily and placed her hands on her curvy hips, implying that she was not going anywhere.
"Don't make me be so childish as to steal your pillow as well", Hermione, warned crossly. Harry sighed, sitting up and still gingerly fingering his scar.
"It didn't get worse again did it?" Hermione asked, looking away from him guiltily. She studied the floor, concerned she woke him up while he was in pain. You just cannot tell when it will hurt him and when it won't, Hermione thought defensively to herself. I hope he doesn't feel dreadful.
"It's just the same dull throb as usual since the last battle," Harry answered after a moment. "What's got you so worked up in such dark times anyway, Herms?" He asked, genuinely curious. Hermione's face turned a deep red.
"I.. erm… that is.." She stammered feeling embarrassed. Harry smiled at his best friend. He raised his eyebrows.
"Come on Herms, out with it", he said gently. Hermione rolled her eyes to the ceiling.
"Hullo, 7th year starts in a few days! It is time we go shopping for school supplies." She responded in a rush, avoiding his gaze. Harry stared at her, his smile widening. Of course! Hermione ever the studious pupil, had to get happily motivated for the return to Hogwarts.
Even though… Harry's eyes darkened to deep jade brilliance and as he shook his head firmly, a few stray strands of ebony hair just brushed his lashes. No, he thought firmly, I will not spoil Hermione's mood by being an insufferable prat. She deserves this, especially right now. Harry was jarred out of his thoughts by Hermione sitting down on the bed next to him in an abrupt manner. He waited a few seconds, looking at her newly charmed hair. She remained silent, intensely focused on her feet.
"I guess I am not being very clever, huh? I can't believe I decided to go to Diagon Alley to shop, when so many unimaginably awful things are happening in the wizarding world." Her face fell and took on a sickly pale tint at the prospect of attending school unprepared. Harry laid a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"No need to fret Hermione, we are going to go get your books!" He informed her brightly. She immediately perked up, and a pure joyful grin lit up her beautiful face. Harry glanced around a bit nervously before finally looking at Hermione.
"Uh, Herms…. erm.. you have to leave my bedroom first, you know." He mentioned, perplexed. Hermione leaped up from the bed with a giggle, which she had almost succeeded in keeping at bay.
"What?!?" Asked Harry, seriously irritated at her laughter. Hermione bit her lower lip in an effort to keep from smiling.
Well he does look right proper in the boxers, Hermione thought to herself with a soundless snigger, looking him up and down.
"Well Harry, it's only that we are nearly 18, and…" She let her voice trail off. His eyes stared into hers, trying to locate her meaning.
"And..?" Harry said, feeling like he should somehow be offended. Hermione sighed, wishing she had never started this subject with him.
"And you're too shy to even change in front of your best friend while her back is turned." She finished. It was now Harry's turn to change into a lovely shade of crimson.
"That is a very fetching skin tone for you Harry." Hermione teased, still trying to keep from smiling.
"I am not afraid to do anything! It is just that it is a ridiculous thing is all…" Harry grumbled, getting up and rummaging through his closet for suitable clothing.
"Whatever you say, Harry." Hermione said sweetly, his bedroom door shut with a loud click as she left. He looked up. Girls… he shook his head. Upon hearing her laughter lightly tinkling down the hall, Harry sighed at nothing in particular.