A/N: I'm back! It was quite a while before I had to update but anyways, here I am once again in another fun-filled update mania. I'm hoping to upload a lot of chapters in all my stories. I'm sorry to those who were waiting (if there were any) but I have a very crazy schedule now that I don't even have time to watch a commercial. Anyways, this is the first part I will be uploading. I think for this particular story, I'd change it from angst to drama because it really wasn't that sad, unlike Not yet Forgotten. In line with all this update mania stuff, I would like to give time and credit all the ones who took the time to read this stuff. I hope that these guys would continue to review this story and my other stories as well. Thanks so much. Credits will be at the bottom of the fic, now don't go zooming down and checking your name there, read the story first. If you find your name there, then I would like to thank you very much. There. Also, I did plan a second chapter for Not Yet Forgotten, and I am still thinking of a different title. Please give suggestions. Thanks a lot once more. After these sentences the fic will start now.
CHAPTER 2: Thinking Deeply
Harry stared at the sky then at the curtains of his four-poster bed. Memories of the harsh and painful incident had been recurring in his mind, enough to make him want to scream. But he didn't. He couldn't. No one should know about it. He might not be certain about a lot of things concerning his and Hermione's broken relationship, but he knew one thing: Hermione wouldn't tell anyone about "it". And so would he. But he still couldn't imagine how things have come to take place. His arms folded, he started to wonder what he could've done to change everything. Maybe if I did this, or maybe if I told her this… But he knew nothing mattered anymore. It was over. Hermione told him so. Over, he repeated. Over. He wondered how a short simple word can crush his heart. It echoed in his head, along with Hermione's sobbing, his shouts, the flickering sound of the fire. Hermione was right. He was selfish. He flaunted their relationship. He didn't care about her sacrifices. He was an idiot. He was a big, nasty git. Harry sighed and turned sideward. He now faced Ron, who was sleeping soundly, an empty chocolate wrapper clenched in his fists. He must've had a wonderful day, definitely the opposite of mine, he thought. He can't sleep that night, and he didn't realize that on the same night, staring at the same sky, a young woman was also thinking.
She was sitting up, her head resting on her knees, as she looked at the starless blanket of the night. I wish he would come back, she thought. She can never forget what he asked her in the last few moments of their conversation. Are you still in love? Her eyes were very puffy, she still sobbed even after the whole incident. She did pretend to sleep when the other girls came, but she think she didn't do a very good job. Besides, they won't be oblivious for a long time. They will soon find out about it. But it won't come from her. She dried her eyes once more with her shaky hands. She did try to sleep and forget about the whole thing, but realized that it won't work and never will. She sat there until the part of her brain not thinking about Harry mentally told her it was time to get up and take a bath.
"Morning chap," Ron yawned as he wiped his mouth, which had chocolate smudges from the treat he ate last night. Harry just nodded. As Ron did his early stretching, Harry got up and took some new clothes.
"Hey guys, better get ready. Snape's cheating on us as usual and is planning to give us a surprise quiz. Of course he did tell the Slytherins. The supposed quizzes start from the fifth until the tenth chapter of Potionmaking: The Guide. There would also be questions from last weeks potion." A disappointed Seamus announced. Everyone groaned and mumbled.
"And who is the chattering chipmunk who blabbered all of that?" Hermione questioned Lavender.
"Seamus said Malfoy told him, along with the usual insult and remarks." Hermione's jaw opened wide.
"If it was a trick, do I get to hammer them to the ceiling?" Parvati exclaimed.
"It's not about tricks. We must be prepared either way. But five chapters is quite long. Luckily I have been interested in chapters seven to twelve so I wouldn't have a problem with the last few parts. But chapter five is quite difficult too. It does involve DADA, so there is a lot of information.." Hermione was already deciding on the strategy she would use much to the irritation of the rest.
"Aaah! This surprise quiz that we know but weren't supposed to is racking my brain." Ron muttered his hands on his head.
"And I don't understand chapters seven to ten. I cannot believe this," Harry added.
"Why don't you ask Hermione then? It's just as simple as eating." As Hermione's name was mentioned, Harry went blank. Memories came invading his brain once more. Everyone had books in their laps during breakfast, already studying for fear of failing. Surprise quizzes come along with graded recitation. Hit or miss. Either you get it right or not. Making a mistake means a failing potions grade…Draco's mischievous voice echoed in Harry's mind. He can't believe this is being put upon them. But then again nothing was as heavy as…
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Harry's book fell on the floor. This stunned him and made him come back to his senses.
"Harry, is something wrong with Hermione? She doesn't seem to be anywhere near us, I mean not like before." Ron had retorted.
"Maybe she just has a lot to do." Harry answered. Maybe Ron's suggestion was a great idea. Ask Hermione about Potions. Then I'll have a logical reason for talking to her! It was as if a light bulb emerged beside Harry's head as his face smiled at his "brilliant" idea.
"Maybe I'll just ask Hermione about the chapters. You're right Ron." By doing that, no one will be suspicious.
"I wish Harry won't ask me anything and make studying with me an excuse for talking to me." Hermione hopefully told herself. Much to her dismay, Harry was walking toward her. Hermione had this worried look on her face as Harry stopped in front of her.
"Hermione I know that this isn't a good time for me to talk to you but I really can't go to anyone else. Well, I really have big problems in studying for this surprise quiz thing and in other subjects as well and you know, well, I was wondering if you could help me, you know. Please?" Hermione gulped as she clutched her Potionmaking: The Guide tightly as her sweaty palms prevented her from keeping a good grip. She had no idea what her answer would be.
If I say yes, Harry will think that it's all okay with me. But if I tell him no.. Hermione reasoned to herself.
Hermione took a very deep breath. "Here's what Harry," she started without looking up at him.
"Look at me Herm," Harry commented and Hermione's eyes widened. "I mean, talk to me…sincerely."
"Fine, there. Harry, I would gladly accept tutoring you, under certain conditions of course. Number one, we meet in the library, nowhere else. Number two, we meet no longer than an hour per day. Finally, I would like for you not to ask any questions UNrelated to the topic I will discuss to you about. Deal?" Hermione extended her hand. Now it was Harry's turn to gulp, understanding that his "brilliant" idea wasn't that brilliant at all. But he had to deal with it otherwise Hermione would know that he was just doing this to get back together again. He extended his hand as well and shook her hand. He didn't really know, but he thought a small smile formed in Hermione's lips during the handshaking. Well, I think that Professor Lupin will be out for a moment and he has luckily given us the time to be in the library and search for our respective group reportings. We can start there. How fortunate for us as well to have DADA before Potions. Harry smiled faintly.
"Well, the Brumsbirk bush is really a big plant that can gobble things as big as a sheep when irritated. It doesn't look like a real bush actually but its hairy outercovering resembles that of the bush. This is used to make the Brumsbirk Potion, the potion to repel the senses of the Brumsbirk bush. If it can't feel you, then it won't be irritated easily and won't be gobbling you up. Sometimes this bush doesn't live to be very big, since some wizards do maintain the growth of these creatures. It can grow to be the size of one and three fourths of a broomstick but when maintained carefully. It is killed using the Brumsbirk Potion to take its senses away and by cutting the thick stalk. It is then helpless after that. Most Burmsbirk bushes grow only up to the size of half a broomstick and then are killed and used to make, what else? Brumsbirk Potion. Actually Brumsbirk bush leaves can be used as healing remedies and it's juice is said to taste as sweet as honey. A few drops may make you drunk though, so you must be careful. Anyways, enough of that, here is how you make Brumsbirk Potion. First you gather the stalk and cut it in equal strips.."
Harry was feeling a little bittersweet lately. He did feel bliss ever since Hermione agreed to tutor him, which was moments ago, but still felt sad that what's between them is still isn't settled. He still can't help but think of that answer Hermione gave her. Yes, but not with you. What does it mean? That there was someone else? All along there was someone else? Of course he couldn't ask her because she would just not talk to him once more and hate him again. But he can't help it. This tutoring was useless because he just wasn't able to do what he needed to.
As Hermione ended her one hour lecture, Harry smiled slightly as he saw Hermione beaming at her, after the accomplishment they have achieved. Hermione truly thought this was just a normal session. How innocent of her. I can't believe she didn't suspect me of wanting to talk to her about last night.
Thank heavens Harry didn't ask anything about last night! I almost died of nervousness. Hermione told herself, smiling because she survived a peaceful lecture.
Moving to the dungeons for the much awaited Potions, Professor Snape was waiting for them.
"Five points from Gryffindor for being late." Nobody tried to complain since it had been happening since Neville became late looking for Trevor.
"I can't believe how the quiz would look like," Neville had whispered.
"What is that Longbottom? There is no quiz! Five points from Gryffindor for passing around false news." Snape retorted.
"But Draco said…"Lavender started but stopped quickly as Snape stared at her eyes.
"Mr. Malfoy,aahh..I see. Ten points to Slytherin." The Gryffindors frowned especially Hermione.
"Professor, he scattered the news, shouldn't he be the one to blame?" Hermione questioned.
"True, Ms. Granger, but then if you think about it, because of Mr. Malfoy's idea, you all read your books, a very good way to make you open them. My, my, my… I assume you read all of those. At least that book had sense now." The Gryffindors were so ticked off by the fact that they worked so hard for nothing and still get points deducted. There was just never enough points to deduct when Snape is in charge, especially to the Gryffindors.
After the treacherous Potions session, every Gryffindor was very happy and light. It is true that ending a rough day with Potions is rather unhappy, but the very second of the end of the classes just makes it all worthwhile. All of them are going to the Gryffindor House to change or rest, and for Hermione to do a bit of reading.
"Hermione?"
The young girl turned around to see little innocent pools of emerald green staring at her. A wave of curiosity passed through her, and suddenly her heartbeat started to pace up.
"Hmm?" was all she could answer.
"Why do you feel so happy and normal after last night?"
A/N:I decided to end it here for a moment. I hope you do review and go back once in a while to see what Hermione's reply will be. I'm also thinking of REVEALING who the mystery guy is, the one Hermione is supposedly in love with. This was just a major crap cover hole. I just had to prolong the revelation of the guy incident. But I still hope you like it. Review if you do. I don't know, but maybe the best review will get to know the mystery guy earlier than the rest. You do have to give your email though. There! I propose a challenge! Whoever gives the best review will get to know the guy first! Say what you want to say: shower me with praises, tell me why you should know first include me in your fave list? Whatever. My sister gets to choose to avoid favoritism? She is nine years old. So there. I do hope that you DO review. The mystery guy is just so easy to know! I think I already typed his name somewhere around here….
So anyways, here are the first four reviewers of the fic. I would like to thank:
Kat- thanks a lot. Don't worry, it will NEVER in any way, shape or form be a Hermione/Snape fic. I also shudder at those. How on earth do people stand that kind of pairing? Well, I hope you like this one(if you do read it)
Shits and Giggles- Yep, Harry will realize that he was a total jerk! I hope he stands Herm's answer though. Thanks for reviewing.
DaNnY's GiRl- I can't tell who she's in love with and I haven't thought of the age yet, but maybe they are around sixteen. It's not too early to fall in love, but then again, maybe it depends on the people. She doesn't love Harry for certain reasons which will be later explained. Yes, Daniel is cute, though I'm not that fond of himdon't get me wrong, that just means that it's one less person you have to compete with for Daniel's heart! I'll try my best not to make it a Ron/Hr fic eyes glint
SleepieCareBear- Thanks for reviewing. I know this isn't as sad as Not Yet Forgotten which is why I'm changing the genre to drama. Angst rocks! I also don't know why I love them, maybe it's just an angst lover thing. Nice theory you have, close but not quite. Don't worry it won't be R/Hr fic..maybe…..
There thanks to all who reviewed, and I hope you review!!