The Rain
Meager Words
Chapter One: The Rain
Harry
A/N: I know you don't like Author's Notes. Because Goodness only knows that I don't either. But the truth is, they're important, and they clarify a lot of things. So here we go. I'm so excited to finally post this story. I love the Rain and it's always had a special meaning to me, so you can imagine that writing a story about it would be good for me. And it is. I haven't ventured into the world of fan fiction in a while, so if you could tell me what you think and what I could improve on, etc. Each chapter will be in a different Point of View. Odd numbers are Harry and Even numbers are Hermione. I don't suggest you skip chapters though. They don't tell the same story in a their POV. I love Reviews, so keep 'em coming.
Chapter One: The Rain
Harry
She was coming. Finally. The weeks before seemed an eternity--one he couldn't easily deal with. He shuddered with apprehension and second-guesses. The 'what-ifs' of the situation flooded his mind and he shook his head.
Of course she'll still be the same Hermione. I saw her at the end of last year. How much could she have possibly changed? Here he sighs and rubs his forehead. He what-if's too much for a seventeen year old.
'What if she hated me for no reason? What if she had suddenly become hideously ugly..no. She'd still be my 'Mione. What if something terrible happens to her on the way and she doesn't get here?'. Thinking so much makes his head ache horribly. I think I might want some tea. Sighing, Harry got up to get a cup of tea.
Much to his chagrin, it was pouring outside when he got back up to his room at the Burrow. Oh great. Rain. He quickly downed his hot tea, relishing the warmth that immediately flooded his cold body. Realizing that it was much too early to retire for the night, he decided to take an afternoon nap--after all, he did want to look refreshed when Hermione got here.
Walking toward his trunk, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. At first he didn't even recognize himself. He was unseemly pallid and had dark circles under his once bright and lively eyes. Yes, he needed a nap. After countless nights of insomnia, he needed a nap. Badly.
Once changed into his plaid pajamas, he crawled under the covers of his bed and fell into a half-sleep, the rain finally lulling his troubled self to slumber.
Someone apparating (conveniently) on his foot awakened him. "What the..?" He murmured groggilyOpening his eyes, he saw none other than a very startled Hermione Jane Granger. Yesyesyesyesyes!
"Harry!" She squealed and tackled him back down onto the bed. "Oh! I've missed you! I'm so sorry I didn't write I was just--"
"Don't worry about it." He smiled. How was it that this girl--woman, from what he can see now--can always make him smile, no matter how foul his mood? This… This is what I've been waiting weeks for.
"Oh! How have you been! Well, I should hope. How have these weeks been at the burrow? How is everyone? Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, the twins, Ginny, Percy? Oh, and Ronald too of course." She added as an afterthought.
"Great! Just great. Charlie and Bill are out back playing a Quidditch match against Ginny, Fred, and George. They've come up with some new products this summer. Their shop is going really well, but I'll warrant you already knew that much." He smiled.
"Of course, silly. What are you doing asleep? It's five in the afternoon. I'll leave the room so you can dress and we'll go downstairs," Hermione said.
What if I'd rather you not leave the room? No. Bad thoughts. Bad Harry. He sighed and agreed. He walked to his chest again to get some clothes. She had certainly filled out, that's for sure. And there was something different about her… He couldn't put his finger on exactly what. A new glint in her eye? He shrugged. He'd think about it later. Harry put on his jeans and a jumper and before walking out the door, he looked in the mirror. She'd certainly brought life back to his face, that's for sure.
All throughout supper, Harry couldn't stop smiling. There was something about her presence that made him want to jump up and dance for joy. Of course he refrained from this as not to be suspicious. The last thing he needed at this point was to make her think he was a bit off in the head. He'd really missed her, and now that she's back, he can't seem to stop thinking about her.
He felt a hand on his thigh and his eyes went wide. Hermione? Damnit. It's Ginny again. We've known each other for years and have been dating for a month and a half. Doesn't she know that I don't like that kind of thing? He gave her a getthathandoffmythighorelse type look and she understood and removed her hand with a hurt look in her eyes.
"Sorry," Ginny mumbled. She had a strange fixation with her stew from then on. Harry didn't like Ginny the same way he used to anymore and he didn't know why. She's different..or I'm different? We're both different I guess. He shook his head and sighed.
"So Ron," Harry began in an attempt to break the awkward silence that had fallen across the table, "How do you think the Cannons are going to do this season?" He immediately regretted even asking the question. Ron went into full-out Quidditch-fan mode and began babbling. Hermione raised an eyebrow at Harry and he shrugged and smiled. 'Anything to break the silence' he told her with his eyes.
She smiled and asked Mrs. Weasley if she could be excused, "I've had a long day. Apparating takes a lot out of me, you know, and I was wondering if I could possibly be excused to go get some pajamas on and get ready for bed?"
"Of course, Dear, of course! I assume you've already found your rooms? We've added a bit onto the house since you all were here last," Mrs. Weasley replied. Signaling for Harry to follow suit, Hermione put up her bowl and walked out of the kitchen. Whaaaa?
"You know Mrs. Weasley, I think I've had a long day too. Sleeping has kind of made me more tired and well… the rain exhausts me and… I got up early and my head hurts and I have to go to the loo… and well… that's it really." Harry babbled out lamely… and rather nervously as well.
"Of course, Harry. I'm sure you know where your room is. After all, you do live here now!" She smiled, "Just don't forget to put up your bowl dear."
I wonder why Hermione wants me to come..? Harry was confused. Very confused, in fact, of the intentions of one Hermione Jane Granger. One very sexy Hermione Jane Granger. No. Stoppit, mind. You have a girlfriend… even if she does look like an ostrich. No! Bad mind… just shuttup.
He walked out into the living room and found Hermione by the fire. "Let's go upstairs… I want to… err… tell you something," She said.
"Erm..sure." Harry replied and began walking up the pleasantly creaky steps towards the second floor.
"My room or yours?" She asked.
Harry smirked. "You're not asking me that, are you?" He laughed.
"Shuttup. We'll use mine then. No one will barge in." She said while a maiden blush did bepaint her cheek. (A/N: I had to. I love Romeo and Juliet too much not to use that line. ) Hermione dragged a very startled and amused Harry to her bedroom. "Sit on the bed. I need to talk to you about a lot of things."
He sat down, but nothing prepared him for the next words uttered out of her mouth.
"I'm engaged, Harry."