Chapter Thirty-Seven:
Since The Marriage Law
7th of May, 2011. Saturday, 8;30am. Currently.
He sighed out loud very deeply. Only he could get himself into this huge situation. He poked at the cornflakes; a Hogwarts breakfast option. Not many people were at the Gryffindor Table, or the other tables for that matter. When the black haired teenager first walked into the Great Hall, he shortly pondered about how it's a shorter amount of people then there normally was on a Saturday morning. Students preferred to sleep in for the weekend, as there's no lessons, but it seemed as though there wasn't as many as there normally was. Harry guessed the majority of year sixes and sevens were exhausted from the past few weeks; they were the ones involved with the Marriage Law, and the relationship and obstacles was beginning to really get to many people.
It just came too unexpectedly, Harry thought. The war had just finished and now this is sprung on us.
However, the Marriage Law wasn't the problem for Harry. It was Ginny. The love of his life. She was mean't to be the love of his life, right? He could feel it inside his currently heavy heart and inside the core of his bones. Wouldn't the Marriage Law be evidence enough that they were mean't to be together? Harry, like everyone else in year six and seven, at first believed the Marriage Law to be a joke- that it wouldn't work. But… slowly, Harry Potter began to watch as his best friend, Hermione Granger gradually fall for Draco Malfoy. He can see it in their eyes now, their attitudes, what they do and how they do it. Therefore, there must be something right with the Marriage Law.
It's sort of sweet to watch. Until, he remembers that he used to be just like that with Ginny. He doesn't feel mad at Ginny anymore. As he picked at his cornflakes indifferently, he realised it was stupid to be mad at Ginny. Whatever she might have heard, or whatever evidence she could have that she's not letting on- it's not her fault. Harry wasn't just mad, he was frustrated, worried… lost. He was exasperated at her reaction, her distrust in him so quickly.
It's really amazing how quickly life changes in just a day.
It's amazing the comparision, Harry though lazily. Everybody thought Gin and I would be the best outcome out of this Marriage Law... but it turned out former enemies, took our place.
For a while, at the moment, Harry didn't really feel any of that. If he was honest, he just felt a little numb, but the feeling of disappoint or regret was definitely there- how wasn't he able to prevent this? He was just disappointed that the whole issue swirled out of control and it wasn't his fault... was it? Could it be his fault?
He was a little surprised at this reaction this morning. He would've been worried that he just 'give up' when he woke up that morning, but he definitely knew that he didn't. They was still some spark somewhere in him, but he felt more tired than before. He was content at just staying in the Great Hall for hours and just eat at his cornflakes. Honestly, he was jabbed the cornflakes more times that he was eating at it, but it was a nice breakfast nonetheless. He just wanted to escape all the drama and confusion and fighting just for a bit.
"BLOODY-," Bang! Everybody in the Great Hall, turned their heads.
"RONALD! Sit down!" Hermione hissed.
It went all too fast as before Harry could say anything, Ron exclaimed, almost saying the full word 'Crucio'. He was cut off before he could even say it halfway when Hermione lept at the male, causing them both to collapse onto the floor.
After warning Ron that he'll have more to deal with, than just McGonagall, if he ever tried to talk to him or Hermione, Ron exclaimed, "Get- Get off me, Granger!"
Harry would've flinched as the memory came back into his mind, if he wasn't so used to the memories coming after him when he was alone, especially in the night when he was trying to get to sleep. He knew it was bad- there was probably an issue there alone that he should go talk to someone about. But he wasn't that bothered about it. He was just worried, and with too much drama on his mind, it was understandable that he was letting his guard now subsequently.
Who did he have to really talk to about his problems anyways? Not just about his crushed friendship but with his Girlfriend? He couldn't talk to Hermione; she was always busy or with Draco. Just because he's accepted and is cool with Draco, doesn't mean he's that comfortable about spilling his guts out in front of him... or to the Slytherin.
Funny, Harry thought as he took a bit of his cereal, it's like one friendship broke and another slowly's coming into it's place-
"Hey, Harry," Someone in front of him said.
He looked up and saw a smiling Gryffindor from fifth year. "Hey," he smiled back. To his own ears his voice sounded weird, as if he hadn't spoken in a while. The other kid didn't seem to notice and just ran up to her friends, instantly engaged into their conversations.
Harry continued to eat his breakfast, checking the time on the front of the two Grand Doors. Just a few minutes since Breakfast started. He licked his lips and pushed his cereal a bit ahead. He crossed his arms and then put his head in his arms. He groaned.
There weren't many people- the Formal did just start. It was easy to spot Harry, who was next to the food and drinks.
Ginny poked his shoulder. Harry turned around, confused but then smiled when he saw Hermione and Ginny.
We took each other all in, to which Harry gaped, "Gin-" The red-head beamed and twirled a little in her pale aquamarine coloured dress.
How the hell did everything get so messed up since then? Harry thought, near nostalgically. He was just about to bang on his head a few times when someone walked up to him and sat down in front of him.
"Feeling okay, Harry?"
Harry already knew from the voice that it was Hermione. For one moment, he was really, really tempted to just say 'no' but then, as he looked up he saw something flash in her eyes. "Yeah, just tired, is all."
Hermione half shrugged, smiling at him. She didn't look angry, Harry noted. He just saw something different though he couldn't explain it. He stared closely at her eyes, they looked tired. Perhaps that was it? She gathered herself some toast with butter and honey.
"Is… um, how's you and Ginny?" Hermione asked slowly, picking up her toast to avoid eye contact with Harry.
Harry blinked and dragged his bowl of cornflakes closer to him. He glanced inside the bowl, the cornflakes were starting to get a bit soppy. "Not… not as well," He grunted. "You and Draco?"
"Not as well," Hermione repeated, smiling sadly. She bit into her toast, grateful to the meal more than she ever had been before.
There was a moment's pause, where Harry spirled his spoon in his cereal, trying to determine if it was still good enough to continue eating. And then, suddenly, Hermione's words repeated in his brain.
Harry's head snapped up to look at Hermione in shock. "W-What? What happened?"
Hermione shrugged again, this time apathically. "Just… Trying to cope that every relationship is pretty fucked up. I mean…" Hermione placed down her toast. "Maybe n-not fucked up, but… there's those good, true relationships, but every relationship has a fault- some fight, some… I dunno, Harry. Ron broke up with me, he cheated, he ditched us, he… Draco, he- You and Ginny were so close, Harry, and then…" She couldn't seem to make any sense of all the thoughts flowing in her head. She trailed off, blinking back at the tears in her eyes. They were too heavy, however, and instead of going away, made a trail down both of her cheeks.
Harry inhaled deeply and exhaled. He hated seeing his best friend like this, and he understood completely... to how she was feeling. He dropped the spoon inside his cereal bowl, having given up on it, and walked around the table to hug Hermione. She hugged him back and for a moment there was a silence, a moment where they both feel distress in their issues. Hermione was the first to break it, sobbing into his chest. He moved cautiously so he sat on the bench and not knock Hermione hard. She continued to cry softly, but even so that she did quietly, he was still receiving weird looks around the Great Hall.
He rested his chin on her head, wandering what happened to Hermione. They didn't sit like that for such a long time. Hermione didn't feel hungry anymore. Harry stayed next to her, as to show his moral support, and she continued to eat anyways because she knew she couldn't skip it.
Finally she said, "Have… have you had the s-surprise assignment, yet?"
Harry looked at her curiously, "I haven't. What's that?"
Another pause. She dropped her toast on the plate and covered her face with her hands. "Crap! I wasn't mean't to say anything!"
The male continued to stare at Hermione, a little more wildly when she reacted so suddenly. "What- What?"
"Shit," She said, near moaning. She looked at Harry with shiny eyes. "Merlin, Harry, what am I going to do?"
"What?" Harry took a deep breath and said, "Nothing- no, don't worry about it, 'Mione. I still don't completely know what you're on about- I won't tell anyone-"
He was cut off when Hermione weakly whacked him on the shoulder. "No, Harry; I'm a mess! I'm going to go spilling everything out, or cry or something… Just because I'm in this… this m-mood!"
Harry wrapped an arm around his friend, "it's okay. It's a Saturday. Do… do you want to talk about it?"
"No, no," Hermione mumbled after a moment. "I'll figure it out. It's just some stupid thing, anyways."
"I'm sure it's not stupid, 'Mione."
"Hm, whatever," the straight haired brunette said. Neither of them talked until Hermione finished two of her toasts. She chewed on her lower lip and then pulled out her wand from her robe. She conjured up a bowl of cornflakes and then after putting her wand away, she dug in. Harry watched in astonishment as she ate. He was surprised at her sudden reaction this morning. Of course, he'll be there for her, full of support and understanding- she's his best friend, but he was still taken aback as not only did she swear, which Harry's never heard her swear before, but she was acting in a very anti-Hermione way. He was starting to worry if she was going to start eating away her problems.
Half-way through the cereal, he grabbed her spoon. Her gaze snapped up to Harry almost instantly, "Come on, 'Arry, what you doing?" She asked, just swallowing down the cornflakes.
"Hermione, I love you, you know that, but if your going to deal with this... at least do it by not chewing down the whole kitchen. Talk to me."
Hermione opened her mouth and then closed it. She sighed heavily and her shoulder's slumped. "I can't tell you," She said so softly that Harry almost missed it.
"Why not?" He placed the spoon back into the bowl.
"Because, Harry, it's... about something you don't know yet," she said, the truth clear on her expression. "You know I'd want to tell you-"
"So, then let me understand now!"
"No, Harry!" Hermione snapped, her eyebrows furrowing. "I can't!"
There was a silence, and finally it clicked into Harry's mind. Something Hermione mentioned earlier, about some surprise assignment. That was probably what happened, Harry guessed. He let it go, and patted Hermione on the back.
Hermione looked back at her bowl, the memory of her and Draco Malfoy shopping together just an hour ago. They had to go shopping to get themselves a new wand, thanks to the fire from that stupid Surprise Assignment! Hermione or Draco would've went their seperate ways, shopping... if they hadn't needed to go at the same place. It was very painful and tiring.
Harry finally realised what was different about Hermione; it was her eyes, but it was also the face. Her eyes weren't the same as they were last time Harry saw them. They were always so alert, bright and Hermione in general was at least upbeat. But now she looked tired, and it wasn't just shown by the bags under her eyes. Thinking about it, they were brought out a lot more than normal by her pale face. She looked more serious... and like, she was the one who had given up.
"I... don't know what happened," Harry said eventually, "but I know everything will work itself out in the end. Okay? You're Hermione Granger, and I know he loves you. Okay? Just be patience... Calm down... and you know, it'll work out."
Hermione nodded, "Yeah, I know. Thanks, Harry." Another pause, "Do you want another bowl of cornflakes?"
Harry's face broke into a grin, "Um... Can you get me sausages and scrambled eggs, instead? Please?"
Hermione smiled, "Of course."
Harry ate in silence, just nodding and listening to Hermione, who as every minute passed, seemed to be more of herself. Her pale face went back to it's normal colour and tears wasn't in her eyes anymore. She talked about absolutely anything she could that didn't involve the Marriage Law, relationships or the past. Harry didn't mind it either way, he just liked listening to his friend slowly gain her voice back and sounding a whole lot more normal than she did about 5 minutes earlier. The only sign that it actually happened, was the seriousness and lot of mystery in her eyes.
"What are you going to do?" Hermione abruptly asked.
"About what?" Harry was just about finished with his breakfast. He just had 2 more small slices of sausage and a bit of egg left.
"Just today. Do you have any plans?"
Harry shrugged, "I was thinking of playing Quidditch. A game's not on today and..." He trailed off, but Hermione already knew what he mean't. She knew for years, Quidditch's his escape.
"I was just wandering because I thought about going to the library today, or something, anything. Maybe just hang around you?"
The male almost laughed, "You don't need to ask to spend time with me, 'Mione. What's- Are you trying to avoid seeing... him?"
Hermione wrinkled her nose, "You make it sound so bad."
Harry laughed, "Why don't you just talk-" He cut off when he saw the look Hermione gave him. "You'll be fine."
Hermione sighed, "I hope so..."
"You will," Harry stated calmly. "So... Do you want to learn to play Quidditch today?"
Hermione looked at Harry strangely before shoving him playfully.
It ended up that both Hermione and Harry did both the things they wanted to do that day. Hermione was acting like she would normally, only she looked a little tired. However, Harry wasn't stupid to think that it was actually fatigue. After a few minutes, and a few more people eventually gathered into the Great Hall for breakfast, they stood and on a spilt second decision decided to go to the field. She watched as Harry played some version of Quidditch- obviously he couldn't actually play the game originally because it was only him playing. She chose to go to the field with him because she knew that Harry was hurting, she saw that he was in some pain before she walked up to him in the Great Hall at breakfast.
He didn't tire himself out until about an hour later. He'd chase after the snitch or try to make goals with the quaffles. The second he began doing his thing, Hermione could see an abrupt seriousness in his expression, how much Quidditch helps him. He spent twenty minutes like that, twenty minutes where Hermione started to believe he'd actually forgotten that she was there. She wouldn't blame him- he had enough on his mind. Though, suddenly a quaffle seemed to come right at her. She could see it at the side of her eyes, and she felt as thought everything that made her want to collapse, for one moment vanished and she freaked out.
The ball passed her. It didn't even slide her hair to the direction it was going, which it would've if it was close. But she was wrong. The quaffle looked like it was coming towards her from the side of her eye, but it wasn't. Soon it hit the ground, creating a big dent but it was stopped anyway. She looked up at Harry who was grinning boldly at her. She blushed knowing that he knew what had happened.
They had a few laughs, a lot of memories. After about an hour, he came down towards her and they started walking towards the Marriage Law Tower. There he quickly walked into his Dorm, put away his broom and then they continued to walk towards the library. Hermione didn't do much reading. They went to a quiet spot where nobody was. There, they both grabbed a book, attempting to read it. They left the page they were on, open on their laps and engaged in conversations. Again, they avoided talking about anything related to what will make them go depressed again.
Lunch came around way too soon. Hermione leant her head on Harry's shoulder and sniffed. "I don't want to eat."
Harry smiled, "that's rich; just this morning you were eating like there was no tomorrow."
"I couldn't help it," Hermione muttered defensively.
"I know, it's okay. But you have to eat-"
"No!" Hermione snapped, lifting her head from Harry's shoulder. "What if..." She trailed off. Harry didn't ask, but he was sure he knew what she was worried about. He grabbed both their books and put it back onto the shelf.
"Come on now," He said, grabbed her elbow and together they walked into the Great Hall. They didn't see Draco Malfoy there. Or Ginny Weasley. Neither of them mentioned it, though, they both wandered where they were, what they were doing and... if they missed them.
23rd of April, 2011. Saturday. (continuing following off events chapter 19; e.g the same day that Hermione Granger had punched Pansy Parkinson in front of McGonagall)
"Yeah..." Parkinson trailed, she glanced at the oranges, "Well, I like the oranges better."
"Fair enough," He mumbled reaching for the apple piece again. At the same moment, she reached her fork for the oranges.
They were almost touching again. Larry seemed to be having a problem actually picking up the slippery apple- it was right next to the pears, which gained itself quite a slippery area. She inhaled deeply, cringing when she realised what a stupid move that was. She could smell Larry's scent... She couldn't describe it. She looked up at his eyes, but then chickened out, worried he might glance at her. Fuck! She inwardly snapped when she realised she started gazing for his lips.
"Haha," Larry said, awkwardly, "This apple..." His eyebrows furrowed slightly. He wanted that piece! It was the best looking one...
Parkinson always had trouble holding her instincts. Suddenly, her hand not holding the fork whipped around so she softly connected with the side of Larry's jaw and slightly his neck. She was too quick, already reaching closer instantly until only a second later she kissed him.
It didn't last long. Parkinson heard the bang of metal connecting with the plate and then Larry's hand touched her shoulder. He pushed her back more softer than she expected. She looked away when their lips disconnected and where the same length apart as before. Larry was looking at her with a calm face, just waiting for her to say something. He was stunned that she did kiss him. He was aware that she liked him; at some extent, but she just seemed so closed lately. He was also just a little mad that she did that- he doesn't like her that way. He just wants to try and be friends, and now it's just awkward.
"Um," Parkinson said, finally looking back at him. She wasn't blushing. Larry was surprised at that.
"I... Parkinson, I'm sorry but... I-" Larry didn't know how to continue. Why did Parkinson have to kiss him? Why? He was caught off guard. "I don't feel that way about you," Larry said, deadpanned.
It seemed like for a moment Parkinson froze, thoughts running through her mind and then she cracked a grin, like she was going to laugh. "What? I don't like you, Christopher."
"S-so why'd you do it?" Larry asked, amused written all over his face.
Parkinson stood up already. She looked pissed, taking Larry aback, again. "Look, I was just trying to see why the hell the Marriage Law paired us together." Her finger pointed to him and her swiftly as she said 'us together.' Larry opened his mouth to say something, his eyebrows furrowed but then she stormed off into the bedroom. The door, surprising Larry again, didn't slam.
Parkinson continues to amaze Larry. He can't stay on one emotion with her for more than 5 minutes. Then, she kisses him. He didn't even know whether to place his head in his hands in frustration or 'facepalm'.
7th of May, 2011. Saturday, 8;30am. Currently.
The door closed behind the red-head. She didn't look upset nor frustrated. Anybody who passed her would think she was just either tired or feeling normal. If she was honest to herself, she didn't even know how she felt. But, she didn't care, any more. She guessed Dr. Stephanie will tell her. She blew a piece of hair out of her face.
As she turned the corner from the hallway, steps and steps further away from Headmistress McGonagall's office, she finally accepted that she was pissed. She stopped walking, just in the middle of the hallway and let out a loud noise of frustration. She seriously didn't give a damn if somebody heard her. If anyone tries to question her she won't think twice to leash her bat-bogey hex on them.
She let out another growl. She attempted to punch the wall besides her but then she stopped halfway, a slightly warm, thin line of tear trailed down her cheek from the anger in her. Even in her haze she still knew some level of common sense; if she punched the wall, her hand would extremely hurt. She inhaled and exhaled deeply. She grunted. She wanted to cry but she's cried too much.
Fine, she thought, I'll go see the bloody doctor.
She was scheduled to see Dr. Stephanie tomorrow morning. But was there really any harm in going to see her now?
Headmistress McGonagall really seemed to make her goal today to just really piss me off, Ginny Weasley thought whilst she thought about the event that just occured in McGonagall's office. She paused and then turned hot in her heels, swiftly walking back to said office. She didn't care if McGonagall was busy, nobody walked in or out of the hallway, so she just assumed that McGonagall was alone. She walked into the room without knocking.
Slightly surprised, but still sympathetic to Ginny's situation McGonagall didn't comment on it. She was aware that this isn't Ginny, that Ginny wasn't normally like this, and McGonagall felt bad for Ginny, because she knew without asking that the situation was really hurting her.
"Where's her room?" Ginny asked, her voice almost devoid of emotion.
"It's- I'll show you," McGonagall said, and you could tell on her reaction that she said it as a split second decision. She didn't look to regret offering it though, and subsequently she stood up. "Hurry up now, I believe she is free."
Ginny nodded half politely and half gratefully, however Professor McGonagall thought she saw a little bitterness behind her movements, her eyes.
As McGonagall closed the door behind them and walked professionally to show Ginny where the counsellor's office was, Ginny couldn't help but have small memories flipping in her mind from the conversation she had with the Head.
"Are you sure-"
"Why do you think I came here in the first place, for Merlin's sake?"
Ginny felt some of the anger in her subside as she remembered the flare of anger in her when she snapped that at the professor. She almost flinched, but she still was in no position to let go. She was still frustrated. All the emotions were overwhelming... and she was sick of it. And almost hated Harry for making her feel this way, but then, she couldn't make herself feel that way.
The 16-year-old walked into the Headmistress office, wary and self cautious. She walked in, sitting down in front of McGonagall and she re-explained the situation she was in. She left out a few details she didn't think McGonagall needed to know, she just figured that McGonagall would know anyway, by the 24.7 Marriage Law surveillance. McGonagall and her for around 5 minutes were questioning each other, and answering to the best of their abilities, a little more roughly than what started out. McGonagall tried to reason with Ginny and still keep her strict posture whilst Ginny was beginning to get fed up and show that she really didn't care anymore.
Then, Ginny suddenly snapped, when McGonagall tried to softly show her option that Harry Potter indeed did not cheat. She was about to start talking about another individual who could've helped the situation, and who showed light that Harry didn't cheat. But Ginny stood up erruptly pacing around the room and then started fighting.
McGonagall tried her best to not lose her cool, but she never taken well to be talking to like this and not do anything about it. The respect for Ginny Weasley was still at the back of her head, and she focused on that.
Then, as McGonagall asked if she talked to Harry about it, Ginny said that she has evidence and that she would like to leave the school. McGonagall was shocked at this. Not even at the beginning of the Marriage Law did Hermione Granger nor Draco Malfoy came to offer that, or talk about the problem. She never expected Ginny to. She caught herself before spluttering and again tried to reason. It worked, as for a few minutes they got into a conversation again. But finally when Ginny refused to change her mind and sat down, crossing her arms- which McGonagall assessed as a defensive reaction- McGonagall tried the stern way. She said that there was very harsh consequences if you go against the Marriage Law, that one of the consequences could be losing the privilege of being a witch.
It didn't go as well as McGonagall hoped. The comment only made Ginny even more mad. However, soon her emotions just caught up with her, and McGonagall was able to talk to her. She said that she's believes counselling will help, and that Ginny should just think reasonable and calm down. Ginny looked like she wanted to say something to do but she didn't. She accepted the option of counselling, thanked McGonagall, paused and then stormed out of the room.
Currently, McGonagall and Ginny finally reached the counsellor, Dr. Stephanie's room. It was only one hallway away from McGonagall's office. Ginny thanked McGonagall and then, this time, before McGonagall walked off she saw the acceptance of the situation before walking away. It was improvement from anger and bitterness. Wasn't it? McGonagall wasn't so sure any more.