A/N: Ok, this is a semi-sequel to "Too Real To Be Pretend", because you don't really have to have read "TRTBP" to read this story. This story takes place at the end of their 7th year (therefore there is room for more sequels to "TRTBP"…once I get any ideas). So, reviewing is appreciated, flaming is not. Read my other story please! And review (but don't flame) it too! If you have any suggestions for this story or for future stories, please tell me in your review…or email me ([email protected]). Enjoy!
Chapter One"Harry!" Hermione squealed excitedly as she barged into his dormitory. He looked up from his position on the bed, dark hair falling into his eyes. She leapt towards him, plopping down next to him as she waved some parchment in his face with exuberance.
"Hermione, I can't read it if you're waving it around," Harry said patiently. Hermione giggled and grinned sheepishly before handing over the papers to him. His eyes widened as he read the parchments. He turned to look at his girlfriend who was beaming with all her might. "You got 'Outstanding' on all your N.E.W.T.s!?" Hermione nodded vigorously. "That's great Hermione!" Harry said, throwing his arms around her. He drew back. "I am so proud of you. I knew you'd do great." If it was even possible, her smile grew wider as she threw her arms around him once again. Harry drew out an envelope from where it had been lost under the covers. "I was just about to open mine." Hermione situated herself alongside him, leaning on him gently. Harry carefully ripped the fold of the envelope and eased the papers from their sheath. He quickly glanced over the pages and handed them over to Hermione, turning his head away. She looked at him with concern before turning her gaze to the parchment on her lap.
"Ohmigosh, Harry! You made 'Outstanding' on your N.E.W.T.s too!" Harry turned back to her with a silly grin on his face. She punched him lightly on the arm. "You had me so worried, you idiot," she said, kissing him lightly on the cheek. "Congratulations!"
"It was all thanks to your obsessive study habits," Harry said.
"My obsessive study habits?" she asked, her voice daring him to explain himself.
"Yeah, I mean, if you hadn't spent all your spare time in the library, I never would've followed you there," he said with another grin. "You know I can't concentrate without a good snog every now and then." Hermione blushed slightly as she swatted him on the arm before moving to sit in front of him. She leaned forward, her arms around his neck once again.
"So, how should we celebrate?" she asked, smiling coyly.
"Well, I know what would start the party off with a bang," he replied, returning her coy smile. He closed the distance between them, watching her eyes close slowly as a small smile began to dance onto her full lips. They had barely connected when they heard a gruff voice from the door.
"Excuse me, but am I interrupting?"
"Ron!" Hermione said, backing away from Harry slightly. "How long have you been standing there?" Her eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Long enough," he said, buffing his nails on his cloak before studying them intently. "Oi!" he cried as he was buffeted by pillows thrown by the slightly embarrassed couple.
"Stupid prat," Hermione said with a grin, still in Harry's grip.
"Well come on, there's a celebration downstairs. Fred and George came by with a load of new stuff from their shop. Now they're really gonna 'start the party off with a bang'," he said with a mocking smile in Harry's direction. Harry made a face at him, reluctantly letting go of his girlfriend. They stepped from the bed onto the cold floor. Harry took Hermione's hand in his as they made their way to the door. As they passed by Ron, who was still smiling smugly, he sniggered. Hermione stopped and glared at him.
"Is there a problem here?" she asked. He only sniggered again,
"Oh, no, I was just wondering, 'how should we celebrate'?" he asked, finishing off the last part in a high pitched imitation of Hermione's voice.
"Oh, you!" she cried, swatting him. He ducked, laughing, and followed Harry down the stairs.
The celebration was in full swing as they descended from the boy's dormitories. The twins were eagerly showing off their new products to a bunch of first years. Hermione desperately hoped they weren't those awful nosebleed instigators and resisted the urge to go check out what was going on. Harry's hand was tugging on hers impatiently and she returned her focus to her boyfriend. A feast lay before them, probably Dobby's doing. Harry grabbed a plate from a towering stack and handed another to Hermione. They eagerly scooped food onto their plates and searched the common room for a seat. It was impossibly crowded. Finally, without anywhere else to go, they settled on the stairs and began to shovel the scrumptious meal into their growling stomachs. After their plates had been emptied, they sat back with contented sighs. Their plates disappeared after a few moments, sinking into the carpet. With the obstacles cleared, they scooted closer together. Hermione rested her head on Harry's shoulder as he slipped an arm around her.
"Just think, in a month, we'll be out of here," Hermione said with a sad, wistful smile. "I wish we didn't have to leave."
"Me too, Hogwarts is my home. At least I won't have to put up with the Dursleys' anymore."
"I don't see how you could put up with them for 17 years," she said, patting his arm sympathetically.
"I really can't imagine life outside of Hogwarts," Harry said, shaking his head slightly to emphasize his point. "I'm gonna miss everybody so much. And where am I gonna live once school gets out? The Dursleys have officially kicked me out."
"You can stay with me at my parents' house," Hermione said, gazing up at him to gage his reaction.
"Really? They wouldn't mind?" Hermione shook her head.
"You know they love you, Harry! Besides, we don't have to stay there long. Maybe we can get a flat in Diagon Alley or something," she said, blushing slightly. She knew she wanted to stay close to Harry even after their graduation. She hoped he did too.
"That would be nice," Harry said, smiling at the thought. "Maybe Ron and Lav could stay there with us. A flat would be kind of expensive for just the two of us to handle."
"That's a great idea! Then we can all be together, just like here," Hermione said with another wistful smile. Harry rubbed her arm in reassurance.
"Don't worry too much about it, Hermione. Let's just enjoy our time here while we still can." She nodded and looked down, hugging herself slightly. Harry's arms tightened around her and she looked back up at him. He placed his forehead against hers, his deep green eyes boring into her cinnamon ones. He kissed her lightly on the nose and she smiled slightly. "Don't worry," he repeated, "We'll be fine."
"I know," she whispered, "but it just feels like we're leaving home." He kissed her lightly.
"We're gonna make a new one," he replied, "a better one-"
"Oi! Are you two lovebirds gonna come party or what?" Ron shouted up at them.
"-With more privacy," Harry finished with a laugh. Hermione laughed with him and hugged him. She felt so safe in his strong embrace and she knew no matter what happened, she was always home with Harry.
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A/N: OK, first chapter! I don't think it was too bad. I got interrupted halfway through it though, so it might be kinda weird…sorry. Anyway, hoped you enjoyed it. Next chapter coming soon…probably their graduation or something. Blahblahblah. Please review! Don't flame! Thanks.