Author's Note: So I've decided to just go with the 'flow' so to speak, so this chapter is a bit shorter than usual, but nonetheless the quality is the same.
Chapters 1-5 have been revised, though only minor changes were made and the formatting corrected. Still, if you'd like to re-read the story, I certainly won't complain.
My thanks to SweetShireen and TyrannicPuppy for going over the chapter, as well as ProphecyMaruader45 for co-writing.
Chapter 7: The Return to Hogwarts
The Sorting Ceremony brought some unexpected surprises. The biggest of which was the introduction of Horace Slughorn—a fat, balding man who looked like he wanted to be anywhere but at Hogwarts—as the new Potions Professor. Soon afterwards, Dumbledore announced that Snape was appointed as the new Defence Professor.
Cheers followed by groans were heard throughout the hall, and Harry didn't know if he should consider this a good thing or not.
They had known that Dumbledore was intending to hire a professor into his service, and the two had assumed that they would have a new Defence Teacher, but it seemed Hermione's prediction of Snape possibly becoming Defence Teacher came true after all.
She cheered him up by mentioning that, 'Defence teachers never last past the year. So if history repeats itself, we won't have to deal with Snape for our seventh year.'
Yes, that certainly sounded like a bonus. Although, Harry had often wondered if he would even attend his last year. The Second Blood War had barely escalated since the Department of Mysteries which meant it was more than likely that something big would happen towards the end of this year.
Another thing he noted was the weariness of the old man. When Dumbledore showed up at the Grangers, he had not seemed his normal self, which Harry attributed to the fact that his plan to keep him alone until he could be 'rescued' was foiled. But now another thought arose in his mind as he observed the headmaster closely.
He's awfully careful in the way he says every word and the way he moved his right hand… It's almost as if he's trying to keep something hidden from the student body…
Harry had to give credit that at least the Headmaster warned everyone about the true threat of Voldemort and the Death Eaters. He accidentally chuckled aloud when Dumbledore said 'Voldemort,' causing everyone to flinch, which indirectly saved anyone from hearing him.
Hermione raised an eyebrow at him, her face was completely blank, with only the merest sliver of amusement breaking through her expression.
Why did I find that funny? He wondered after Hermione turned her attention away. What's particularly humourous about Dumbledore saying Voldemort in front of the whole school? Maybe he was going mad. He could not even understand his instinctual actions before or after it happened.
Once the feast began, the tense mood of the evening announcements faded into the usual loud chatter that always filled the Great Hall.
However, that wasn't the case for the five Gryffindors who had travelled to the Ministry the last school year. The tenseness had left none of their bodies and they looked at each other aimlessly.
Eventually Ginny broke the silence as she looked at him with fearful eyes. "Is You-Know-Who really going to start another war?"
Holding in a sigh, he replied with some bitterness, "Yes, isn't that obvious?" The snap caused Ginny to shy back in response. He closed his eyes and breathed in slowly, attempting to calm himself, before lowering his voice slightly and adding, "There are already some disappearances being reported in the Daily Prophet. If anything, the new war has begun and it won't be long until Voldemort does something."
As the group flinched in response, Harry internally thought, It's just a bloody name. No wonder Tom was so close to winning the last war.
Ginny's unease hadn't disappeared, and as Luna silently came to join them, she eventually probed further. "So when are we having our first DA meeting?"
He and Hermione had given a lot of thought to this over the past weeks. There were benefits to both sides, but ultimately they had made their decision and had agreed it was the best decision for them. Perhaps not for everyone, but Harry wanted the best for Hermione and himself. He wasn't responsible for everyone in the school.
"We aren't," he replied in a deeper voice than usual.
Immediately the attention of Ginny, Ron, Neville and Luna snapped towards him. Hermione rested her hand above his knee, providing him with her support and a sense of ease.
Restarting the DA would mean that much of his time would be split between teaching and improving others, instead of refining his and Hermione's skills. With Hermione's Prefect duties and his new desire to study, there simply wouldn't be enough time to teach dozens of other students how to protect themselves. Especially since they expected attendance numbers to rise, whether by fear of Voldemort or the desire to be taught by him because of his new 'Chosen One' status.
He agreed that all students of Hogwarts should be given the right to defend themselves, but he and Hermione determined that to be the responsibility of the Professors, not theirs. People shouldn't be coming to him for help. He was a teenager just like them, with little life experience. Sure, he had faced Voldemort multiple times before, but he only survived through luck and the arrogance of the Dark Lord. At this current point in time, he knew any Auror could outduel him with ease.
And if he was being honest with himself, he selfishly only wanted to train himself and Hermione. Perhaps there was a time where he would sacrifice himself for any of his friends or schoolmates, but that had changed. He had changed. He had something—someone—to live for and she was something he could not lose.
The thought had come out of nowhere, but he knew it to be true. Truer than any other thought in his mind. He was growing more dependent on Hermione by the day, and it should probably scare him. Should have made him rethink his relationship with her, but it did not. The thought had passed through his mind, but he didn't care. He liked, no, he loved how things were at the moment. To be with her, to be able to touch her, hold her and kiss her. Right at the moment, he was almost drowning from the desire to wrap his fingers around hers, having somehow resisted the urge ever since Ron returned from his 'walk.'
So, as his friends looked at him with shock evident on their faces, he rested his hand on Hermione's, causing her to turn hers over and entwined their fingers. A feeling of contentment coursed through his body.
He was so caught up in his thoughts he hadn't realised that Ron had asked him a question until Hermione squeezed his hand almost painfully to grab his attention.
"Mate. Did you hear what I said?"
He gave his redhead friend a blank look.
Scowling, Ron spoke slightly louder, "So, why aren't we restarting the DA?"
The surrounding chatter seemed to instantly quieten, with Seamus and Dean listening in, their faces filled with surprise and interest.
"Keep your voice down," hissed Hermione. "We don't want everyone overhearing us."
Ron gave an annoyed look at Hermione in response.
Ginny huffed. "Well, I'd like to know, too. Umbridge is gone, why would you not bring the DA back?"
"It's a choice Hermione and I have made," he began tentatively. "With what happened last year, we've decided it's not in our best interests to teach everyone who wants help from us."
"But—but you can't do that," argued Dean.
"I'm sure he doesn't actually mean it, right?" interjected Ron, looking at him critically.
Harry shook his head, "Sorry guys, but I mean it. If you really need help, I could help a bit, but please don't spread the word. That option is only open for my friends."
"But—"
"We have already decided," snapped Hermione. "We don't need the entire student body needing to know about this."
They all looked at Harry, and he nodded in confirmation. Though he was annoyed that they didn't take Hermione's word as his.
The rest of the feast was tense, and Harry couldn't help but wish it was just him and Hermione. He had always enjoyed being around other people, but the constant questioning of him and Hermione was slowly getting to him.
She squeezed his hand and asked softly, "You alright? You seem—" She paused. "Agitated."
He turned to look at her. "You're always worrying about me. I should be asking how you're holding up, considering you snapped at our friends moments ago," he replied in a low voice so only she could hear.
Hermione seemed neither hurt nor embarrassed. "They should have listened to you the first time. I'm tired of having to explain myself."
Giving a small smile, he fought the urge to lean his head on her shoulder. "Tonight will be a pain."
She smiled sadly at him, conveying she knew what he meant and was just as devastated.
Squeezing her hand one last time, he then went back to his food, where he caught Neville's curious look at him.
"What?" he asked.
Neville, startled, took a moment to compose himself. "Nothing."
Harry raised an eyebrow at him, but Neville said nothing else.
Why is it only 5:34? I feel like I've been here for hours.
Harry had woken up for the third time in the night. Sleeping in an unfamiliar bed, and without Hermione, meant that he had struggled to get much sleep, if any, at all. He knew it would take some adjusting, but he really didn't want to. He wanted Hermione near him, to hold, snuggle and even just to talk with.
He missed her. It had barely been seven hours, and he missed her. God, I'm pathetic. I can't even go half a day without her… Though that didn't stop a thought coming to him. I wonder if she feels the same.
He shook his head and decided to get up. There was no point staying in bed when he had no chance of getting any more sleep.
After changing into his robes for the day, he walked past his roommates and out through the dormitory door. Making his way into the common room, he came into a surprising, but welcoming sight.
"Hermione," he said breathlessly.
The witch, sitting lazily on one of the couches, snapped her attention towards the stairs. Upon spotting him, her face broke out into a massive grin. Not wasting any time, she got up from her seat and dashed towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck, giving him a lingering kiss.
Smiling into the kiss, he reciprocated it with all the love he felt for her.
When they broke apart, he asked with a laugh, "What was that for?"
"It's silly," she replied with a small shake of her head. "I—" She didn't seem to know how to put it into words. "I missed you," she finally blurted out.
He began to chuckle, causing her to glare at him playfully. Harry's eyes softened. "I wasn't laughing at you, love. I feel the same way."
Her eyes sparkled at him as he brought her into a hug. He whispered, "I couldn't get much sleep without you."
"Me neither," she replied.
They stood there in comfortable silence for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, before he realised that she was slowly moving her feet and swaying her body.
"What are you doing?" He questioned.
She pulled apart from him so she could look at him. "Well, you never did ask me for a dance at the Yule Ball, so I think you owe me one now."
He looked at her, amused. "Right now?"
She took a quick look around the room, "Yes, now. No one will bother us."
"I might step on your feet, I'm quite inexperienced."
"As am I. Now stop making excuses and ask me for a dance," she ordered, but with a smile on her face.
He laughed once more before taking her left hand in his. "Will you have this dance with me, Miss Granger?"
"Why, most certainly, Mister Potter," she replied in her poshest voice, before giggling like a little girl.
He rolled his eyes at her but was smiling nonetheless.
She swished her wand and a slow-paced tune began to play.
Harry brought her flush against his body and rested his head against hers. He couldn't help but think they fit so perfectly together. He was slightly taller than her, but their height was still relative enough that they could lean their heads on one another.
They began to swing slowly to the rhythm in a slow and romantic-like way. Hermione began humming along with the tune and Harry closed his eyes, taking in what he could only say was the most peaceful moment of his life.
Her scent, her voice, her touch filled his senses, drowning out everything around him. He couldn't believe that he had missed out on this. Missed out on so many opportunities with her, knowing that he could've had all of this before Voldemort's resurrection and Dolores Umbridge.
They may have been in their robes, which made it slightly awkward, but he could easily pretend that they were in their formal robes. It was almost like they were back in fourth year at the Yule Ball, only this time he was actually dancing.
And with the person who's captured my heart, he thought fondly.
"I'm sorry I never asked you for a dance," he mentioned softly.
She laid her head onto his shoulder and breathed into his neck, "It doesn't matter. You're here with me now."
Her words sent shivers down his spine and he responded in kind. "And I'm never leaving you," he whispered.
"Mmm."
They continued swaying in comfortable silence, enjoying the closeness they felt. It wasn't one filled with lust and passion, but with care and love. These moments were the things he strived for, and it was perfect.
Dancing had never been something he had ever thought could be an enjoyable activity, but it was quickly becoming a favourite of his. Not that he would admit it to anyone other than Hermione.
As the music slowly faded away, they pulled apart to look at each other. Her beautiful brown eyes were looking at him with such emotion and love that he couldn't think of anything else to do but bring his lips to hers.
It was different from the kisses they had previously shared, the ones that were passion-filled and almost animalistic. No, the way her hands massaged his hair, and their mutual neediness was something else. It was in these kisses that he knew kissing his best friend was one of the best things in the entire world.
As their lips parted from one another, they rested their foreheads together.
"I love you," she whispered.
"I love you, too."
He wished he could stay here forever. Forget about the world, his troubles, Voldemort, everything and just stay with her.
He didn't want to live in a world without her, he just couldn't—she was too important. And he'd do anything to make sure they would both make it through. If he had to break friendships, kill, murder, manipulate, anything. He would do it—and in a heartbeat, without a moment of hesitation.
A footstep sounded nearby and they reluctantly turned their heads to look at the disturbance.
Neville was standing on the last stair with a goofy expression on his face. "Sorry for interrupting." He stood around awkwardly before saying with a shy smile, "I am glad for you two, though."
"Thanks, Neville," replied Hermione, and Harry gave a small nod, as well.
Giving his friend a suspicious look he asked, "What are you doing up, Neville? It's awfully early."
"Um, well, I could ask you the same question," he replied, attempting to dodge the question.
But he was only met by the blank stares of the duo.
"Right, well, obviously," having known part of why they were up. He sighed. "Luna asked to see me at breakfast. She said six so—I uh—got ready early."
Hermione smirked at Neville, "You and Luna then?"
"What?!" exclaimed Neville, looking around frantically. "No—What? Maybe—I—I don't know."
Sighing, he asked them, "How did you two get together, then?" Before quickly assuring, "I promise I won't tell anyone. Just curious, is all."
Hermione didn't seem worried. "We'll have to tell everyone eventually." Flashing a quick smile, she added, "But could you hold off telling anyone, just to avoid rumours."
"Of course," replied Neville.
Hermione gave him a thankful smile. "And in terms of your other question, I think Harry is the best for answering it."
"Me? You"—and pointed at her—"Had a plan to get us together, didn't you? You should tell the story."
Me?" She replied lightly and slapped his hand away. "You seemed more than happy to go along with my plan."
He grinned at her. "Aha! So you do admit it."
She raised an eyebrow at him.
"Okay, okay. I was definitely a willing participant," admitted Harry. But then added optimistically, "But you had a plan right from the movies, didn't you?"
"To think you're my boyfriend," she said with mock hurt. "I had everything planned from the start of summer," she continued like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
He grinned at her. "Start of summer? All that time?"
She scoffed before her features softened. "Longer," she replied.
Taking a step towards her, he inquired, "Just how long?"
Neville cleared his throat, shattering the moment. It took them a second to realise that they had forgotten about the presence of their other friend.
"Merlin, sorry, Neville," apologised Harry. "Kind of got caught up in the moment—too distracting, she is," nodding his head at Hermione.
She nudged him at the hip with her elbow and furrowed her brows in response, only causing Harry to smile wider.
Neville now wore an amused expression. "So I take it this isn't a new development."
Harry shook his head. "No, we became a thing a couple of months back."
"And you're both happy?"
Harry raised an eyebrow that said, "Are you serious? Of course!"
"Couldn't be better," replied Hermione as she wrapped an arm around Harry's back while wearing a grin.
Neville looked apologetic as he said his next words. "Sorry for all the questions, I was just wondering how things went between you two so—" but he seemed too embarrassed to continue.
"I think both Harry and I agree, that we waited longer than we should have before admitting our feelings for each other," informed Hermione. "You'll know when the moment is right," she added with a small chuckle.
"I can't say what will work for you, Neville, but you likely won't be with her if you don't try. And if it's any comfort, I don't think Luna is someone who would end your friendship because you like her as more than a friend even if she didn't feel the same way," said Harry.
Although he had a feeling Luna would react rather… surprisingly, but... in a positive way.
I should consider spending more time with those two since they came with me to the Ministry of their own accord and gave me thoughtful gifts, ones that will actually help me against Voldemort.
He had found the books Neville had gifted him to be extremely informative on different stances and exercises to get himself better prepared for when he needed to defend himself. Luna's gift also proved extremely useful, as it was able to tell him what was going on in Wizarding Britain, without too much bias. Though he was slightly disgruntled that the Quibbler was calling him the 'Chosen One,' he supposed it was better than being labelled a liar.
"Shall we head to breakfast, then?" asked Harry.
He was met by nods from his two friends, although Neville's was a lot more reluctant. As it turned out, Neville need not have worried.
I certainly wasn't expecting that, thought Harry, as he watched a red-faced Neville get dragged away by Luna to the Ravenclaw table, wearing a dazed expression.
As soon as they had arrived in the Great Hall, Luna had literally jumped Neville and snogged the daylights out of him in greeting. It wasn't the way he or Hermione had gone about admitting their feelings, but Luna had always been a bit on the unorthodox side.
Still, I'm glad Luna is going after what she wants. And I'm sure Neville is relieved at that. I have to admit doing stuff for myself, feels exhilarating… Or maybe it's just Hermione… Ahh, who am I kidding, it's definitely all because of her.
"Mr Potter," said Professor McGonagall a while later, causing him to look up from his food and towards his Transfiguration Professor.
She gave a small smile as she passed his timetable to him, then Hermione's before she turned to look back at him.
He didn't know how deep McGonagall was in Dumbledore's manipulations and if she could be trusted, but her next statement made it clear she wasn't here to talk about his summer.
"After you are done with breakfast, I'd like to see you in my office regarding your career path options." Hermione made a movement of interest. "It's nothing major, don't worry, Miss Granger."
Nodding his head he replied, "I'll head there in a few minutes, Professor."
McGonagall gave a curt nod in response and left the Hall.
"I'm coming with you," said Hermione moments later when he passed his timetable to her.
Harry chuckled. "Well, of course, but I don't think McGonagall will let you sit in."
Hermione wanted to argue but instead gave it some thought. She seemed very reluctant but knew it would be better not to aggravate her favourite teacher. "Fine," she said in a way that reminded him of himself. "But I'll be waiting right outside her office."
"Are you babysitting me?" he asked innocently.
"Do you want me to be your babysitter?" She replied with a raised eyebrow and the beginning of a smile.
"Depends," he replied, thoroughly enjoying their banter.
"Hey, I missed you both," said Ron unknowingly interrupting them, as he sat opposite. "Why didn't you wait for me?"
Harry gave him a deadpan look. "You weren't up, but Hermione and I were. We didn't feel like waiting for you, so we headed off to breakfast."
Ron seemed shocked by Harry's passive aggressiveness, having thought that Harry would have forgotten about yesterday after a night's rest. "But—"
"We should head off, Harry," interrupted Hermione.
Harry looked at her through his peripheral vision and saw the glint in her eyes. She obviously knew that he still wasn't impressed with Ron's attitude yesterday, and wasn't in the mood to talk with him.
"What?! Where are you both going now?" Questioned Ron, even more confused.
"McGonagall wants to meet with me in her office, something about my future career options," he replied.
"Oh," replied Ron lamely, seeing such a trivial thing as uninteresting. "Wait. Why are you going, Hermione?"
She rolled her eyes. "Because he's my best friend, Ron."
The redhead was about to reply when he spotted Hermione's raised eyebrow in the direction of the Ravenclaw table. Ron turned to look and flinched backwards.
"Even Neville has a girlfriend?! And Luna at that?" he said somewhat shocked.
Harry couldn't help but let some amusement creep through his voice, "Happened just this morning."
But Ron didn't seem to hear him so he and Hermione left the Hall not bothering to say goodbye.
And Harry found that he didn't feel the slightest bit guilty.
"Mr Potter, please take a seat," said McGonagall as he entered her office.
Hermione had waited outside, albeit reluctantly and with a frown, so he had promised to be quick. It was possible that McGonagall had, in fact, asked him to come alone to interrogate him, but he doubted the Deputy Headmistress would break her integrity for the Headmaster. From what he knew, she hadn't lied to him before and hopefully would not start now.
He took a seat in front of her desk, with a small smile. The professor wasn't looking at him, and instead carefully checking through a piece of parchment on her desk, before taking a quill and making some notes. Then taking the time to set it aside, she turned her attention to him.
"Are you still aiming to be an Auror after graduating from Hogwarts?"
That's if there is still an intact Ministry, by then.
"Yes," he replied.
As far as actually wanting to become an Auror, he had little interest. But he had to choose something for a career. Really, he wasn't entirely sure what he wanted to do after Hogwarts. His plan so far only extended to removing the Death Eaters and Voldemort from society, though he was wondering if that would be enough…
Perhaps afterwards, I can help Hermione become Minister of Magic, it's something she would be amazing at, he thought fondly, before realising he was getting ahead of himself. He was 16 and was practically thinking of spending the rest of his life with Hermione. All right, that was a lie, he had already decided.
McGonagall made a slight noise of irritation before picking up a piece of parchment. "I see… However, if you still want to become an Auror, you are aware that passing NEWT-level Potions is a requirement."
"Yes, I am, Professor."
"Well, then why have you not chosen Potions?"
He looked at her confused. "I thought NEWT Potions required an Outstanding from my OWLs."
McGonagall pursed her lips. "That's correct, Mr Potter, but only under Professor Snape. Professor Slughorn, however, accepts students who have scored an 'E' or higher."
"So, I can take potions, then?"
McGonagall seemed surprised by his response, "I would've thought you'd be disappointed, but you never fail to surprise me." Giving a small smile she continued, "But yes, you can take potions, and it's something I highly advise you to do."
He gave a nod in response.
"I will make sure to inform Professor Slughorn that he has a new student," began the professor as she walked him to the door. "But if he's anything like I remember, be warned of being 'collected.'"
"Collected?" questioned Harry as he opened the door.
"You'll understand once you meet him." Upon spotting Hermione leaning on a nearby wall, she clicked her tongue. "Miss Granger, I should've known you would be waiting out here."
Hermione seemed unperturbed by her statement.
Just as they were about to leave McGonagall added, "Oh, and Potter, take Mister Weasley with you, his timetable is quite empty otherwise."
Something inside him snapped at the mention of his 'best' friend. Why should Ron be able to attend potions, as well? I know that he only scored an 'A' so this seems like pure bias. But instead, he kept his cool and said innocently, "Ron can find his own way to Potions, Professor. Shouldn't be too hard for his simple mind."
His Transfiguration Professor frowned at that. "Mister Potter, you should be more respectful of your peers."
Harry, however, ignored her. "But Professor, how hard can it be? Considering we've only been going to the same classroom for the past five years."
Hermione sniggered in the background, causing McGonagall to look at her in unhidden shock. The professor blinked a few times before saying, "Morg—" She then shook her head and attempted to fight back a smile. "I'll tell Mister Weasley myself. Now off you two go," she said with the wave of her hands, but some amusement evident in her voice.
For some reason, Harry couldn't help but let a smile grow on his face. It was relieving to say those comments about his first friend. It was as if a weight was lifted off his shoulders, and his mind felt lighter than it had in years.
As they were walking off Hermione bumped into him with a smile on her face. "Never thought you would speak of him like that."
He shrugged. "It was only the truth."
Hermione couldn't help but laugh at that, and he joined in soon afterwards, not caring that he was laughing at the expense of his first friend.
Who needs Ron anyway? He thought to himself, and the more he thought about it the more he realised he didn't.
He needed Hermione, always and forever, but Ron? Did he ever really need him?
"Stupefy!" shouted Hermione, as a scarlet bolt left her wand.
He lunged to his right in order to avoid her spell, grinning the whole time. Loving the excitement, adrenaline, sweat, and pain he was experiencing by duelling with Hermione.
After their classes for the day, they had snuck off into the Room of Requirement and had been duelling ever since. They had spent the entire summer deprived of being able to use their magic, and both of them were enjoying the intensiveness of duelling one another.
Apart from some basic exercises, the teens hadn't put their bodies under much strain, so were quickly tiring as a result. They had been at it for half an hour—almost non-stop but were managing to keep duelling, as they were in a competitive mindset with one another.
They had both scored an O in Defence, but Harry was confident that this was one thing he could be better than Hermione at.
Since they sincerely cared about the other's wellbeing, they were avoiding using any dangerous spells, and mostly sticking to charms. Yet that hadn't stopped them from taking it seriously. Hermione had obviously been studying very hard on Defence before he met up with her, as she had improved significantly since last year. Her movements were faster, spells more accurate, and she showed no hesitation, and it only made it all the more interesting.
She was fast, faster than he had imagined her to be. But he was faster. His years of being Gryffindor's seeker meant that he had fast reaction time and accurate hand-eye coordination. So as time went on, she was slowly spending more and more time on the defensive.
The disarming spell was a thing of the past. He had been relying on it for years, but its benefits were limited and mostly useless. Now he used a broader set of charms, ranging from the stunning spell, to the banishing charm, and even the use of 'Aguamenti,' the water-making spell. And that is, in fact, how he ended their final duel.
Hermione spat out some water from her mouth, as he quickly moved towards her after having sprayed her with vast amounts of water. Which had caused her to fall backwards from the force.
"I did not expect that," she commented as he helped her up.
Chuckling he replied, "Well clearly, cause you're thoroughly drenched."
Hermione, however, only smirked in response because she wrapped both of her soaked arms around him tightly. While she was making his clothes soaked, and his body cold, he could also feel the heat radiating from where their skin made contact.
"Hermione!" he complained.
But she only laughed at him, nuzzling her face into his neck. She then brought a hand to his hair and looked into his eyes, before she connected their mouths.
Forgetting their soaked state he happily reciprocated, finding the situation all the more arousing. Their duel, if anything, had made him appreciate Hermione more; if that was even possible. She never was one to be weak or timid, and certainly proved herself capable. Something he found he was extremely attracted to.
He may have won the duel in the end, but he could tell that Hermione could more often than not read into exactly what he was going to do, and countered accordingly. He imagined how damn amazing they would be if they ever fought anyone else together. They would be a terrifying sight for sure, especially if they killed their enemies instead of stunning.
Hermione seemed to notice that he was neglecting his 'duties' and held onto him tighter. Giving his full attention to his best friend, he happily opened his mouth to accept her tongue, dancing with his with a deeper need than normal.
As Hermione pushed him back, he suddenly found himself on top of a couch, with Hermione quickly manoeuvering her body atop his, firmly pushing him into the cushions as their kissing continued. Not wanting to be one to always relent to her, he rolled them over in a swift moment and Hermione found herself below him instead.
She let out a panting breath as she asked, "What are you doing, Potter?"
"Just taking control," he replied, before quickly latching their mouths together again.
She made a mewl of protest, and he stopped momentarily to look curiously at her. She quickly waved her wand and muttered the drying charm. Now dry and much warmer, they continued their little 'session' completely forgetting and not caring about what they were doing before.
They were just Harry and Hermione, and nothing else mattered.
Later that night Harry was forced to sit alone in the common room because Hermione was doing her prefect patrols. The idea of walking with Hermione under his invisibility cloak came to mind, but he knew it would be weird for Hermione to be seemingly having conversations with herself. So instead, he was making himself useful.
He had never truly appreciated the amount of time and effort Hermione spent writing notes for them, and thought it was time to reciprocate
Studying alone, and without his girlfriend, was certainly boring to put it lightly. But he kept his goal in mind: to do something for Hermione.
All too often he had slacked off on his work, used Hermione as a tool to keep up with classes. In fact, he was sure that if it wasn't for her he would've barely passed in any subject, besides DADA.
He heard the portrait door opening and could've sworn that the Fat Lady was ranting about something. The footsteps from the newcomer were completely familiar to him, and he looked up to see Hermione.
"Hey, you're back."
She sighed dramatically. "Have I ever said I hate dealing with the younger years?"
He looked at her surprised. "I thought you loved them."
She snorted. "Not when they're out past curfew, breaking all kinds of rules."
"But how many times have you been out past curfew and broken the rules?" he questioned with a smirk.
She pursed her lips. "Well that's different, I was helping you. They're just doing it to snog each other in broom closets."
He opened his mouth, but before he could utter a word, Hermione sharply said, "And no, Potter. I am not kissing you in something as dusty as a broom closet."
"What? I would never suggest such a thing," he replied innocently, but couldn't stop his grin from appearing.
She rolled her eyes and walked over to him.
Upon noticing him hard at work, she flashed him a genuine smile.
And at that moment something clicked in his head. If he wasn't already sure, he knew he had completely and utterly fallen for her. It was one thing to admit his love to her, but another to realise just how much he really did.
He wondered how on earth his stupid mind took so long to notice this beautiful, smart, caring, and bloody fantastic witch right in front of him. He could have saved himself the pain of fifth year if he had just opened his eyes. But… what was important was the present, not the past—and right now she was his.
He didn't know what had come over him that day, but to know that Hermione thought of him in the same regard sent a feeling throughout him which he couldn't fully describe. Happiness, elation, relief, and desire. Hermione was perfect. She may not be flawless, but to him, she was everything he wanted. She was protective, loving, and dangerous in all the right ways.
When their relationship started, he had some doubts about whether their friendship would remain the same if things ever fell apart. But now he knew, they were in it till the end, in whatever capacity that could be.
He needed her. Needed all of her. They had gone too far that day with Dolohov to ever go back. He hadn't known it that day, but that was the point of no return, the point of utter and complete trust in one another. And God help him, he wanted to kill another Death Eater. Not in self-defence, but actively go out and hunt down those racist cunts. And he didn't want to do it alone, no. He wanted to do it with Hermione, share everything with her, the adrenaline, the rush, the satisfaction, and then he wanted to…
"What are you working on?" asked Hermione, taking him away from his thoughts, as she moved to sit next to him.
"Hmm? Oh, I wrote some notes for both of us."
Hermione tilted her head to look at him with her mouth open, but in a grin. "You took notes?" she said, with some disbelief.
"Hey! I can take notes you know," he retorted.
"I know—I know, I'm just teasing." Then taking one of the loose pieces of parchment she quickly skimmed through it. She turned to look at him thoroughly impressed and asked unsurely, "They're for me, as well?"
He let out a small laugh. "Of course, Hermione. You just lost precious time studying, so I decided to do something for you, regarding academics."
"Is it weird that I'm more attracted to you now?" Probed Hermione.
"Weird or not, you'll hear no complaints from me."
"Good," she said and started to neatly pack up all the notes he had taken. He gave her a curious look when she was done, but she simply took the quill from his hand and set it on the table. She brought up her feet onto the couch and snuggled her body to his.
"What's going on?" he asked softly.
"We're staying here tonight," she replied, with no room for arguments.
Harry was too tired to argue, especially for something he felt no real objection to. He wanted to be with Hermione, and if they could steal a night, right now, he wasn't opposed. Maybe they would get a full night's rest tonight, even if their position was slightly uncomfortable, but being in each other's presence made up for any complaints.
He happily wrapped his arms around her and shifted to make himself more comfortable.
As he noticed her eyes begin to close, he murmured, "Good night, love."
He noticed the quirk of a smile rise on her features. "Night, Harry."
Author's Note: Has anyone else ever wondered why the DA was never brought up in HBP? It doesn't make sense, but then again based on the inconsistencies throughout the 'Half-Baked-Plot' I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.
And yes I know the pacing is quite slow, especially this chapter but I don't want to force anything by speeding up the pacing needlessly. It's just all these HHr moments keep coming to me and they feel so natural in the story.
So, sorry, but not sorry, I guess?
I assure you there will be some action and major plot progression next chapter, something I'm sure a lot of you are eagerly waiting for.
