Thank you to all my wonderful readers and thank you for all the wonderful reviews. I love it when people tell me how much they love my story. And yes, I do take bribes of cookies, hugs, and Chris Evans... or Oscar Jaenada... or both. *shifty eyes*
Enjoy.
"The trap is set, my lord."
"Good, good."
"You shall have Harry Potter by the closing of this week."
"Thank you, Severus."
Harry smiled to himself as he made his way back to the Gryffindor common room. He had dropped Draco off at his common room and kissed him good night. The sweet taste and lingering warmth still tickled his lips. He sighed content. He felt relieved he didn't actually have to break up with Draco and break both their hearts.
He repeated the password and climbed through the portrait hole. He let the portrait swing closed behind him and stifled a yawn as he whipped the cloak from his body. He stretched and took a step towards the dormitory stairs.
"Harry James Potter!"
He froze midstep and spun around to see Hermione standing with her hands on her hips, a furious expression on her face. He smiled and waved to her. "Hey, Hermione. Isn't it a bit late?" He offered, trying to mask the rush of panic and hoped she couldn't hear his hammering heart.
"Where have you been? And don't say meeting with Dumbledore."
Harry turned to her as she advanced on him. He took a step back as she stood before him, face contorted in anger, arms crossed over her chest. He swallowed noticeably and he mentally cursed. "I was-."
"Snogging Draco Malfoy?" She asked, raising her eyebrow.
He felt the world come up behind him and suddenly felt winded like she had knocked him in the gut. "H-How did you find out?" He asked, unable to control his stammering or his words as they rushed out.
"Harry," she sighed and looked up at him with a mixture of disbelief and hurt, her anger gone. "Why didn't you tell us?
"I-I didn't know how you would react. I was scared of what you would say." He whispered, looking down at his hands, the words having come out without his control. "I mean, I wasn't sure how to tell you I was gay. And I was scared how you would respond to my relationship with Draco. I especially feared Ron's reaction." Harry felt his stomach flip abruptly in his torso. "D-Does he know?"
"Yes," Hermione stated honestly, pushing his hair back. She took his arm and brought him to sit down. "He couldn't stay up to wait for you. He's very upset, although I think right now it's more over the fact you lied to him. I don't think he's registered you're dating Draco yet."
Harry groaned and slouched in his chair. "I'm sorry, Hermione. I thought about asking you for advice, but I didn't know how to. I was afraid of what you'd say. I know it's a horrible excuse, but I really am sorry."
"Well, does he make you happy, Harry?"
"Of course," Harry stated immediately, sitting up straight. "I've never been so happy in my life. I feel like I can be really be myself around him." He laughed quietly, and breathed quietly. "Probably because I was so used to his insults that they don't phase me anymore. Well, he hasn't really insulted me since we started seeing each other. Unless you count 'silly Gryffindor.'"
Hermione smiled and shook her head. She saw the smile in Harry's eyes and saw his dreamy, content look that still remained on his face. She sighed, her smile vanishing. "Are you sure about this, Harry? His father is a Death Eater-."
"His father-." Harry stopped himself, knowing Draco would not want him to speak of his problems to anyone. "He won't be a problem. They aren't really close right now."
"Oh," Hermione eyed him briefly, but shrugged. "I've had time to rationalize this. I've been thinking and I accept that you and Draco are together. I accept your apology, but I'm afraid Ron won't be as easy to appease."
"Wait, you're okay with it?" Harry exclaimed, shocked.
"Well, I understand why you hid it. I mean, Ron's living proof of why you would be scared to tell us. If Draco makes you happy and you really think he's good for you, I can't really object. Of course, if he hurts you I reserve the right to hex a certain appendage off."
Harry nodded knowing well what she meant and knowing it would be best to agree now and defend Draco later. If Hermione was at least on his side, then he'd have someone and an alliance to help convince Ron.
"I also understand the predicament with Ginny."
Harry swallowed, his heart skipping a beat. He had hoped this wouldn't come up; at least not until Ron approached him.
"You didn't know you were gay when you were first dating her." Hermione began quickly. "It wasn't until recently you figured it out, and I'm sure Draco had some part in it. You broke up with Ginny when you were certain it was Draco you really wanted to be with. You never meant to lead her on, even by a little, and you broke up with her when you were positive it was over between you two."
Harry stared at her, amazed. He couldn't have put it better himself. He nodded, "Exactly! I never meant to hurt her, but I couldn't lead her on. I broke up with her because it was the better option. If I had waited it would have only hurt her more."
"I know, Harry, I know." She smiled sympathetically. "Ron, however, is gonna take a lot more convincing."
Harry awoke the next morning. He glanced around his curtained bed and found where he was and that it was deserted. He hesitantly pulled the curtain back, half expecting Ron to stand their with a knife waiting, but Ron wasn't there. His bed was empty and Seamus looked at Harry confused.
"Yeh really pissed 'im off." He said quietly, glancing around. "What did yeh do?"
"It's a very long story," Harry replied and quickly dressed and hurried out of the dormitory. He walked down to the common room and saw Hermione waiting for him. She offered an encouraging smile and led him to the Great Hall. Harry glanced around, but no one paid any mind to him. I guess word hasn't spread yet.
"I kept it to myself." Hermione confirmed when she saw Harry's eyes flickering to everyone that passed. "I'm sure Ron did, too."
Harry nodded and stopped checking around him. He followed Hermione to the Gryffindor table and sat beside her. He glanced up and saw Draco sitting with Blaise, talking. He felt a pang of jealousy, but calmed down when Draco's eyes flickered to his and he smiled. He made it seem like he smiled at something Blaise said, but Harry knew it was meant for him.
"Have you heard?" Dean Thomas asked as he plopped down beside Seamus, across from Harry. He looked excited and seemed agitated. "Dumbledore's allowing a Hogsmeade trip for those staying for Christmas. Someone apparently complained that those that stay behind don't get to do anything, so he's allowing the students that stay behind to visit the village."
"Really?"
"Heard McGonagall tell Flitwick in the hall on my way here." Dean said with a smile.
Hermione glanced at Harry and glanced towards where Ron sat at the other end of the table ignoring Harry's and her presence. She knew with the sudden tension so close to the holidays Harry would probably stay in the castle. Although they both had been invited by Mrs. Weasley, Hermione knew that it would be the best, even just to let Ron cool down.
Her eyes traveled to where Draco sat, his eyes flickering towards Harry every once in a while. She blinked and glanced at Harry that did the same without Dean's notice. She stifled a smile and rested her chin on her hand. This Hogsmeade trip would be good for them….
"Are you sure?"
Hermione smiled and nodded. "You said Draco and his father were having problems so he's probably staying. The trip to the village could be a chance for you two to get out together." She offered as students walked by, paying no mind to them. "Besides, mostly everyone will be gone so you'll have the village more or less to yourself."
Harry chewed his lips as he took in what Hermione said. He had been feeling guilty for not being able to take Draco on proper dates and the blonde had stated once that he wanted to go to Hogsmeade with Harry. "Okay, that sounds like a good idea."
"Of course it is." Hermione stated, holding her head high. "Besides if you stay, then Ron will have more time to cool down."
"True." Harry sighed and nodded. "Thanks, Hermione. For being so understanding."
Chapter 14- End
tbc
The Simpsons is horrible. I only watch the episodes with Sideshow Bob and he ruined the 6th Harry Potter book by revealing Snape killed Dumbledore. If I hadn't read it already, I'd have been pissed. Luckily the movie camed out so it hasn't rined anything for anyone and the episode was old.