Chapter 9
"Hmph. The nerve. Maybe I was right before… maybe he hasn't changed at all. Maybe he's just using me. But… I hope he doesn't take that as a break up… It was just an argument. Maybe I didn't hear him right. Maybe he said he didn't want Harry to—"
"Hermione!" Harry called from behind Hermione, skidding up to her side.
"What are you doing her? You were just on the phone with Draco… I'm on my way home from the restaurant… but…"
"I apparated," Harry explained.
"Harry! That's dangerous! This area has a dense Muggle population! Some one could have seen you! That's why I'm walking home!"
"Relax, Herm. Why not use a car anyway?"
"It's a nice day, and plus, my house is just two streets over," Hermione said, looking up at the clear sky.
"I thought you still lived in a flat?"
Hermione shook her head. "Moved three months ago. The house isn't much bigger, but I can't hear the neighbors walking over my head, which is definitely good," she smiled. "Harry?"
"Hmm?"
"You want to come over to check out the house? And talk over coffee?
Harry couldn't express his joy, except to simply say, "Sure, I'd love to," with a smile.
When they arrived, Hermione took out her keys and opened the door.
"Here we are!" she sighed. "There's the dining room, the kitchen, the lounge/living room, the bathroom, and the bedroom. Simple, but cozy." She tossed her purse into a chair and walked into the kitchen. She put water on the stove, and told Harry to get the ground coffee out, while explaining where it was.
"Found it!"
The kettle whistled and they stirred their mugs.
"Mmm, Folgers, my fave," Harry teased.
"So I don't have a coffee maker? Who cares?" Hermione retorted, and sat down on the couch, patting the cushion next to her. "Sit."
Harry smiled and obeyed.
"So… Draco seemed…"
"Assy? Grouchy? Annoyed? Damned?" Hermione supplied.
"Umm… I'm sensing you're mad at him?" Harry guessed.
"You're damn right! He's acting like he owns me! And he treats you like crap! You're my best friend and I don't know if I can…" Hermione stopped. It probably wouldn't be a good idea to say she might not be able to date Draco. Harry could get ideas.
"If you can what?" Harry asked, and lifted her chin.
"Harry, don't," she said, brushing his hand away.
"Don't?" a hurt expression consumed his face. She immediately felt a pang of guilt.
"Don't act like a shoulder to cry on. It's not a good idea."
"But I thought that was what you needed?" Harry asked, confused.
"Harry, right now, I don't know what I need or want," Hermione admitted, holding her head in her hands.
"Okay…" Harry said quietly. "But… make sure you end up happy, and in a situation you like." He got up from the couch and turned towards the door.
"I… I didn't say you had to leave, Harry," Hermione stopped him.
Harry approached her and held her shoulders. "Hermione?"
"Yes?" she was the confused one now.
Harry leaned in and kissed her deeply. "That is why you'll want me to leave."
He turned and walked out the door, leaving Hermione to ponder what had just happened.
~*~
A/N: Like I said, I'm typing em up as fast as possible!