Written For:
Penny for Hogwarts Secret Santa
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry: Writing Club
Count your buttons - everyone lives! AU / "Close your eyes and make a wish." / Sirius Black / impressive
The Musical Category Competition: West Side Story
I feel pretty - write about someone who is happy
Simply Ask
Harry watched Hermione from afar until a familiar hand clapped down on his shoulder. "Is something on your mind, Prongslet?"
"It's Hermione," he sighed.
"Don't tell me you fell in love with your best friend. That's a big no-no." Sirius wagged his finger. "Do I have to tell your dad on you?"
Harry glared at his godfather. "Can you be serious? And don't dare make that stupid pun. Like I'd ever fall in love with Hermione. She might as well be my sister."
Sirius held up a placating hand. "Okay, okay. You don't have to get so bent out of shape. So, if it's not your love life you're thinking about, what's the matter with Hermione?"
"Her and Draco broke up last weekend, and it's like it doesn't even faze her. They dated for almost two years. I hate that she's not letting herself feel pain. I know I'm not the most sensitive person, but even I know that's bad."
"Instead of guessing what she's feeling and possibly being wrong, why don't you just ask her?"
Harry looked at Sirius. "It seems so obvious to ask."
"And it's often also the solution so overlooked." He pushed Harry in her direction. "Go."
For once, Harry followed orders.
X
Hermione jumped when she felt a presence next to her. "The stars are so beautiful," she happily sighed.
"You've never been much of a stargazer."
"I've taught Draco many things, but he taught me a few things as well. Like to appreciate the stars."
"Speaking of Draco…"
Hermione looked at Harry. "What about him?"
"I'm worried about you. Draco was a big part of your life for such a long time. And you don't seem bothered by your breakup. Out of the two of us, you've always been the more expressive one, and I showed more emotion after Ginny and I broke up than you are now."
Hermione wore a small smile.
"It's sweet that you're worried about me, but you don't have to be. I'm not showing any pain because I'm not in pain. There wasn't a big implosion that ended my relationship with Draco. Our relationship just ran its natural course, and we both realized we no longer worked as boyfriend and girlfriend. We're still friends, though, so why should I be upset?"
"Even when a relationship ends mutually, most people are still upset that it didn't work out."
Hermione playfully nudged Harry. "I'm not most people. I recognize this is for the best, and as long as I still have Draco as a friend, I'm happy."
Harry studied Hermione's face, trying to detect any hints of a lie. Finally, he said, with uncertainty ringing loudly in his tone, "If you're sure…" He turned his gaze to the sky. His eyes widened, and he pointed at a bright, moving light. "Look, a shooting star! Close your eyes and make a wish."
The best friend friends held hands and did just that.
Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched by two Marauders.
"Do you remember when you were worried I wasn't more depressed after my divorce from Lily? You were pretty impressive trying to get me to talk about my non-existent pain."
Sirius triumphantly grinned. "Ha. Harry is more like his godfather than his father."
"Shut it, Padfoot. He's all Prongs."
"Keep telling yourself that."
xXx
(word count: 553)