CHAPTER 4 - Reading Between the Lines

Harry walked across the store back to the book shoppe. He still couldn't believe that the necklace he's holding right now somehow belonged to his mother. He never knew of that story. Sirius, nor Remus, never told him that story; neither did Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. He felt sort of proud that he was now holding something that resembled the love of his parents for each other. It seemed so right for him to have that.

He entered the shoppe and began looking for Hermione. He spotted her sitting on a comfy couch reading a book, what he thought, she had purchased. He approached her, hiding the velvet box inside his robe pocket. This might not be the best place to give this to her. I don't think a bookstore would be a good part of the ensemble. I'd better hide this until later.

"Harry! Where have you been? I've been waiting here for a long time," Hermione said as soon as she saw Harry approaching her.

"Sorry I took so long, Hermione. I just needed to do something. Anyway, ready to go?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, sure, let's go. I'd feel more relaxed if we find the others soon. I don't think I'm up for another round of hiding right now."

"Well, then we better get going then, while the coast is still clear. I don't want to bump in into any of those bizarre fans of mine."

"I agree."

Harry and Hermione opened the door and cautiously walked out. They kept their eyes open just to make sure that none of Harry's fans are around. Hermione noticed that Harry seemed to be pretty quiet. She kept on looking at him with curiosity, while Harry kept on stealing glances at Hermione without her noticing.

They kept on going until they reached Flourish and Blott's. Harry stopped walking and Hermione wondered what was wrong. She looked at Harry with concern and came close to him. She waited a while for him to say something.

"Hermione," Harry finally said.

"Yes, Harry?" she asked, obviously curious.

"Do you remember that day on second year?"

"Which day was that, Harry?"

"That day when I got lost in Knockturn Alley, when you saw me here with Hagrid."

"Of course, I remember. That was when I fixed up your glasses. Why'd you ask?"

"Well, I've just realized something: I haven't repaid you for those times when you do something about my glasses."

"Repay me? Harry, you don't have to repay me for just fixing your glasses. It's just a petty thing. Besides, it's not that big of a bother. It's not like I saved the world or something. I haven't done that much, at least compared to what you've done for us."

"No, no, Hermione, not just about that. It's for all those times that you were there for me, those times when you never gave up hope on me, when you never let me down, when you always seemed to believe on me, when you trusted me all throughout these past years that we've known each other. All those years, I never realized how much you've supported me. I never realized how much you sacrificed just to be able to help me when I'm in need. You gave up so much for me, Hermione."

"That's ridiculous, Harry! I'm your friend; I'm always here for you. Always; just like how Ron is to you. It doesn't matter how many times I get hurt or I get punished, as long as I know that I am being of help to you, I will never be sorry. And what is this that I sacrificed, Harry? I never sacrificed anything. You! You're the one who sacrificed a great deal just to be able to save the entire world from complete turmoil."

"You've never realized it either, did you, Hermione? You've never realized that you have sacrificed your life, your whole life just to stand beside me. You've made a big decision, Hermione. You chose to stay with someone who is being hunted by an enemy so powerful that everybody fears him. You chose give up the life of being a normal witch. You chose to live the life of someone always being watched and always on guard. You gave up so much, Hermione. And you haven't realized it yet."

"I…I guess you're right. But, Harry, I know I made the right choice on standing by your side. I don't regret any of it. Ron did the same thing too, you know. And my social status isn't that great anyway, even before I met you, so I don't think it's your fault if I don't get along with others that much."

"Hermione, you still don't get it, do you? Look at you! You've grown! You've grown into a lady! You're growing up, Hermione! Neither I nor you can change that. Sooner or later, Hermione, you're gonna go out on dates and fall in love with someone; you never know if Victor Krum would come back for you. Don't waste so much time on me, 'Mione. You have your own life, you should live it."

"Why are you acting like this? Why is it that all of a sudden you want me to go out on dates? Harry, are you sick?"

"No, no, no, Hermione. I'm not. It's just that…Here, this is for you."

Harry finally took out the box that contained the necklace he had recently purchased and handed it over to Hermione. His thoughts were all mixed up and he didn't know what to say. He wanted to tell her that it's just something he picked up, but he felt like that wouldn't be something appropriate to say right now; especially not in front of Hermione.

Hermione was stunned. She didn't know what to do. What is this? Is this one of those prankster stuff that Fred and George always demonstrate in front of the guys? Is Harry trying to trick me? No, Harry would never do that. Then, what is in this box?

"Harry, what's this?"

"It's a gift. I got it just a while ago when I left you at the bookshop. It's not much, but I hope it does the job."

Hermione opened the box and suddenly, shock filled her face even more. Inside it was a beautiful heart shaped pendant with tiny blue sapphires encircling it. It was being held on by a white gold chain that reminded Hermione of white snow on Christmas morning.

"Harry, what is this for? I don't understand. Why are you giving me…this?"

"You don't like it?"

"No, of course I like it, but why?"

"Like what I said earlier, Hermione, I wanted to repay you for all the things you've done for me. And when I saw that, I immediately thought of you. I know it's not enough…and it's not much…"

"What are you saying, Harry? This is too much. This must've cost a fortune, and you're saying it's not much? What are you, some kind of a millionaire?"

"Uh…no, of course not."

"Well, you certainly act like one. And it's quite convincing too. But, Harry, I can't accept this. This is too much. Besides, I don't need you to repay me for anything. I'm your friend, and friends help each other in times of need, be it good or bad. Besides, what would Ron say? He would certainly make a scene out of this."

"He won't. I got him something too. But besides that, I would feel a lot better if you'd accept my gift. Think of it as a late birthday present or an early Christmas one. Just accept it, okay?"

"Oh, alright, Mister Potter, I'll take it. But just for the record, I didn't want to accept it, not until you persuade me to."

"Agreed."

Harry volunteered to help Hermione put on the necklace. His hands started shaking as he tried to clasp the chain together. He didn't know what was happening to him right now. It just seemed so strange to him.

"This is so beautiful, Harry. Where did you get it?"

"It came from the jewelry shoppe across the street a while ago. I went in there and got it, along with Ron's present. But, it turned out that that necklace wasn't exactly the most valuable thing I got when I left that shoppe."

"What are talking about?"

"You see, Hermione, that necklace once belonged to my mother…"

So Harry retold to Hermione what Pablo told him. Hermione, of course, was shocked. She had always been fascinated about Lily and James Potter's love story, but she never got around asking Sirius or Professor Lupin about it. And what Harry told her made Hermione even more fascinated. James and Lily's love story reminded her of Aladdin and Jasmine. It was so magical.

"That's probably the most romantic story I have ever heard. But, why is it that you chose to let me have this after hearing the story, Harry? Wouldn't you want to keep the necklace?"

"I would, but then I realized that I've got Sirius and Remus to remind me of my parents. And besides, I got a lot of things that belonged to my parents; not having at least one of them wouldn't make a difference."

"Thanks, Harry. You're really sweet."

"Well, I try."

Both laughed at what Harry said. They were so caught up at laughing that they didn't realize a group of people approaching them.

"Harry! Hermione! Oh, we're so glad we found you at last! Where have you been? Did those girls caught you?" said Molly.

"It's a long story, but don't worry, not a single girl caught up to us," answered Hermione, after getting out of Mr. Weasley's hug.

"I think we better go home now. It's getting late and you kids need to some rest after this day's events. Shall we go?" asked Sirius, grabbing hold of the bags that Molly was carrying.

"I guess we should. Now, let's go guys!" said Mr. Weasley.

Harry grabbed Hermione's hand and followed the gang as they walked, with her following right beside him. He didn't know why, but he just wanted to hold her hand. It's not like this is the first time we've held hands. I don't think it will bother her that much. Harry stole a glance at Hermione, and he found her expression to be just as "Hermione" as it can be, so he just shrugged the thought off.