Harry's True Dilemma

Ch. 5 What's the matter?

A/n: Wow, this took a long time to write. The whole week has been very busy, and I'm sorry. Now I have a chance to get the next chapter up now, so that's good.. now, to start it.

Disclaimer: not much is mine, maybe the plot, and the new DADA teacher.



Harry woke up suddenly, another dream, and just as confusing. It was the Hogwarts dream again. He sighed and looked through the little crack between the curtains of his four-poster. It was dully lit outside, giving Harry the impression that the sun was just now rising. He stretched and pulled open the curtains. He was right. Harry could see the sun's golden edge appearing over the forest. He crawled out of his warm bed and changed into his robes. All the rest of the Gryffindor boys were still asleep. Harry looked at his new watch, (Ron had given it to him for his birthday, since his no longer worked after the second task) it was still very early, so Harry headed down to the common room. He thought he'd be the only one there, but not to his surprise, Hermione was sitting in a particularly squashy armchair in front of the fireplace.

"Good morning." Harry said a bit huskily, as his voice had yet to wake up. Hermione must've been so intrigued by what she was reading, she hadn't heard Harry come downstairs. She jumped, and looked up quickly from her book.

"Oh, good morning. Did you sleep well?" She asked after recovering.

"Uh, yes." Harry nodded. He didn't want Hermione to worry about some stupid nightmares. She didn't look very convinced, but grinned up at him.

"Are you excited about lessons today?" She asked, the grin never faded.

"No. Not really, but I can't come to Hogwarts and miss its classes, now can I?" He said smiling at the thought of everyone suffering double potions, as Harry flew around on his Firebolt. Hermione turned slightly pink, and asked

"I suppose you think I'm pretty stupid because I still get excited over schoolwork, huh?" she looked at her book.

"Are you kidding? As if anyone would think you, Hermione Granger, was stupid. If anything, I'm a bit jealous, I wish I could be more in tune with my lessons." He said, his gaze never leaving Hermione. She smiled and looked up from her book. "What are you reading?" he asked.

"Just our Transfiguration book. You know Harry, if you need my help with anything, don't be afraid to ask. I'd be more than glad to help." A couple of girls came down from their dorm, looked at Harry and Hermione, gave each other a knowing glance, and left through the portrait hole. Hermione glanced at her watch, and said

"Well, I guess breakfast has started, should we head off?" She stood up.

"Sure, let me go and get Ron." Harry started to turn back, but the look Hermione had after he mentioned Ron made him stop.

"What's the matter?" She looked at the fireplace and took a deep breath. Harry knew they must've had an argument last night.

"Nothing." She didn't look at him. "If you're going to get him, then I'll just meet you in the Great Hall." She stated flatly.

"Hermione, what happened? Did you two get in a argument last night after I left?"

"Argument is somewhat of an understatement." She fumed.

"Ok. Ron will find us downstairs. I'm kind of hungry believe it or not, even after all that food I ate last night." He smiled at her. She stared at him in disbelief. "What?" Harry asked thinking he might have something on face, and nervously flattening his unruly hair.

"Well, this is kind of, the first time. never-mind. Let's go." She turned sharply and walked to the portrait. 'First time what?' Harry thought, as he slowly followed Hermione.

When they made it to the Great Hall, only a few students were there. They sat down next to each other, and Harry looked around. The sun was up now, and the ceiling that looked like the sky itself, was bright blue with no clouds. Harry and Hermione chatted quietly as the rest of the school assembled around them. Ron showed up, when Harry started his bowl of porridge, and sat down across from them.

"Thanks for waiting." He said bitterly, grabbing some toast and jam.

"Sorry, I was very hungry, and you were still asleep." He looked at Hermione, who propped open her book and began reading. Ron looked at her too.

"Starting a bit early, don't you think?" He spat. "Right Harry?" Harry looked at Ron,

"It wouldn't be like Hermione if she didn't." Harry smiled at her. She smiled quietly in her book, and sipped her orange juice. Ron glared,

"I suppose you're against me too now? You didn't even hear my part of the story." He glared at Hermione then at Harry, dropping his toast in disapproval.

"For your information, Ron, I did not tell Harry anything about our discussion last night, although he probably should know. As he is our friend and all." Hermione said coolly, looking over her book. Harry felt awkward. Was their fight about me? He looked at Ron, who seemed to be turning purple with rage.

"I'm sorry Harry, but I seemed to have lost my appetite." With that he stood up angrily and left the Great Hall. A few people watched him go. Harry turned to Hermione.

"What's going on Hermione? The first day has barley started, and you and Ron aren't even talking to each other?" She looked as if she would cry. Harry put a comforting hand on her arm, but before she could explain, Ginny appeared with the new schedule.

"Where's Ron?" She asked blushing slightly at Harry. Then noticing Hermione's guilty face, and Harry's hand on her arm, she asked, "What's wrong Hermione?"

"Oh nothing." She sounded completely miserable. Harry removed his hand and grabbed Ron's schedule.

"I'll give this to him." Harry said, sounding somewhat angry and surprising himself. 'Why has Hermione and Ron's fight upset me? Usually I don't care, maybe it's cause it's the first day, first breakfast.' He stood up.

"I'll go talk to Ron. I guess I'll see you in Potions. Save me a seat, in the back." He didn't smile, Potions was his least favorite class, and it wasn't the perfect way to start and already messed up morning.



A/n: I want to keep writing but I have homework.. evil teachers, assigning homework over the weekends. I'll type the next chapter real soon.