Note to disclaimers: Hello people! I do not own Harry Potter, so please don't sue me. J.K. Rowling own everything. Thank you! *Calima*
Complicated Logic
Hermione Granger sighed in content. Outside, icicle hangings could be seen on the roof ledges. A fire-large enough to warm the Great Hall- blazed in the fireplace. Warm air engulfed the Gryffindor common room; she sighed again. Laughter was heard from outside. 'A snow fight has ensued, no doubt.' She thought merrily. Suddenly, a voice interrupted her observations.
"Why don't you join us?" A red headed boy inquired.
The honey-brown haired girl shook her head. "No thank you, Ron," She yawned lazily, "I'm beat."
"Well, if you might join us later during our little games, we will be outside." Ron answered.
Hermione nodded; Ron left thru the portrait hole. With another yawn, Hermione reached over and shook her friend. The black haired young man opened his eyes. Brown eyes met emerald green. He smiled and ran a hand thru his messy hair. "Thanks for waking me up." He winked. "What's up?"
She stretched before giving Harry a thoughtful look; Harry appeared perturbed. "Harry, did you finish your transfiguration homework?" He shook his head. She giggled. "Neither did I."
"That is a first." Harry snorted.
Hermione frowned. "It's not like I'm going to make a practice of it."
Harry chortled loudly in response, which earned him a pillow to the face. He gave Hermione a look of determination. She squeaked knowingly before making a run for it, but it was too late. Harry grabbed her from behind, threw her on the couch, and began his assault. Hermione shrieked with laughter. "Stop it, Harry! Please, Harry, I'm begging you!"
"Did I hear a plea for mercy?" Harry paused.
"Yes, you did, Harry Potter!" Hermione wheezed out.
"Too bad for you then, Ms. Granger!" He resumed his tickling frenzy.
A couple hours later...
Hermione lay on the soft, cushioned couch of the common room. Her eyes were open slightly; it was dark outside. To her side, Harry was resting peacefully, his head on her lap. Somehow, although she was unsure, she'd ended up winning Harry. Now he was snuggled to her, almost like a small child, the flames of the fire dancing upon his features. She marveled at him for a few minutes; her gaze wandered back to the firelight. The common room was empty. From her sitting position, she could hear people getting ready for dinner. Brushing back a stray lock of her hair, Hermione leaned over Harry and gently shook him to consciousness. He turned over but did not wake up. Hermione shrugged.
"Harry, it's dinnertime. Ron will be there any minute now." She whispered in his ear, softly.
A dazed look placed his face when he woke. He glanced around. "How long have I been sleeping?"
"Not too long, Harry," She pointed towards the Great Hall, "come on, dinner is going to be served."
He agreed. When they entered the Great Hall, Ron waved to them from the Gryffindor table. Next to him, (More like on him! - Hermione) sat Lavender Brown. "Hey, Harry, over here!" Ron greeted cheerily.
"Hullo, Ron. How's your friend?" Harry questioned.
Ron chuckled. "Like sugar, she is; she's sweet, very sweet."
Hermione snorted. "You mean she hasn't bored you to death with her talks of make-up?"
"She hasn't mentioned even once." Ron spread jam on his bread. "How are you guys?"
"We're peachy." Both replied at the same time.
"I can't believe it; you both even think alike!" Ron acted horrified by his friends answer.
"Leave them alone, Ronniekins!" Lavender cooed in his ear.
Ron blushed crimson. Hermione and Harry burst out in laughs. Across the table, Ginny was busy watching out for Slytherin commentary; she was looking for Draco's signal. No seemed to care otherwise. Suddenly Draco stood and left the Slytherin table; Ginny trailed shortly afterwards. This event, Hermione did notice. She tapped Harry lightly on the shoulder. "Do you think Ron knows about Ginny and Malfoy?"
"I doubt it, unless someone has told him." Harry looked serious. "I still can't believe we are helping, not to mention being nice, to that slimy git...Malfoy."
"It's for Ginny's sake, plus, Malfoy's not a bad guy," Hermione returned, "well, once you get to know him anyhow."
Harry nodded hesitantly. He was slightly surprised at Hermione's reaction to the news. When they'd found out, Harry was shocked. Hermione, on the other hand, seemed unsurprised. He didn't even understand why she'd said nothing. Not so much as a scold left her mouth. Even now, as she watched Ginny disappear from view, she looked calm. His thoughts were interrupted by one of his other friends, Seamus Finnigann (is that how it's spelled?).
"Ay, Harry!" Seamus shouted from the other side of the room. "Call Ron for me!"
Harry nodded and did so. Ron stood over to go to over to Seamus; Dean Thomas followed him. "Where are they going?" Parvati Patil asked Harry.
Harry shrugged. He didn't have a single clue. It would appear as though Dean, Ron, and Seamus were planning something; they were just like Ron's older brothers, Fred and George Weasley. It made Harry want to laugh that Ron had decided to carry on his brothers' so-called legacy. Next to him, Hermione was engrossed in relishing her chocolate pudding. Harry chuckled. Sometimes Hermione could be incredibly amusing. Hermione took note of this and, her curiosity getting the best of her, forced the rest of the pudding down her throat so that she could question Harry. When she'd finished, she turned to Harry. He looked bewildered by her forward face. "What is it?"
"Why were you staring at me like that?" She asked. "Do I have something on my face?"
"No, but, "Harry began, "you just look funny when you're engrossed in your food."
Hermione blushed. She managed a barely audible thank you before excusing herself and leaving the Great Hall. Flushed in the face, Hermione bolted up the girls' staircase to the dormitories. After throwing her books on the bed, she began rummaging throughout her trunk, desperately searching for her quill and parchment. 'Where is my quill?' She hurled a book over her shoulder. 'Where is my parchment supply? I'm going to drive myself stark mad!' She heaved a sigh of relief when a piece of paper poked out from underneath her transfiguration book. Hermione yipped with glee and picked up her Arithmancy book; she went down to the common room. Now that the Great Hall had cleared out, she was sure she would get SOME work done. 'Thank Merlin it is Friday today.' Setting her book on a table, Hermione smiled to herself, stretching her body out over the spacious couch. She knew Ron, Harry, and the usual gang would be down soon.
As if on cue, Harry came bounding down the staircase, Ron close behind him. They both plopped down on the floor beneath Hermione. Fred and George Weasley sprang up from behind the couch Hermione was seated on. She yelped. 'What are they doing here?' Dean and Seamus cracked with chuckles, which earned them all a body- binding spell. Looking satisfied, she settled back into her previous position, her eyes focusing on her parchment. Everything was silent until Ginny entered. "What is going on?" She asked in shock.
"Hermione felt that it would be appropriate to body-bind us because we scared her." Dean answered.
"Wow...she must be mad at you guys." Neville stared in awe, his eyes the size of saucers. "Are you going to let up?"
"Sometime later...AFTER I finish my Arithmancy homework." Hermione was looking smug. She blew away a stray lock of hair and placed her quill down. "All right, since you're all giving me that look...I'll let you go." Before she did so, the Weasley twins explained why they were at Hogwarts. Their mom had requested it specially.
Everyone cheered as she let the spell up. She was getting ready to sit back down when laughter started behind her. 'Uh oh.' She grimaced. 'Here it goes.' She was swept up in someone's arms and thrown onto the couch. Immediately she knew whom the culprit was. She opened her mouth to speak, "HARRY POTTER, LET ME GO THIS INSTANT!"
"Revenge is sweet Hermione." Ron answered casually while dusting off his clothing.
A horrified look crossed her face as the message processed in her brain. All of a sudden shrieks could be heard from her. Ron and Harry were tickling her madly. Finally, as if by a miracle, Ron let up and went to bug Ginny. This didn't thrill the youngest Weasley. In the corner, Fred and George were convincing Neville to try another one of their prank inventions. Neville didn't seem to notice the trick in progress. That left Dean and Seamus, who at that present moment, were chatting up Parvati and Lavender. Of course, when Ron saw this, he went over to set them straight. Lastly, Harry had not given up on his revenge on Hermione. She was now in tears as well as howling with giggles. About ten minutes later, when Hermione felt like her sides would rip open, she found herself lying on the couch, Harry at her side.
"Well, that was rather interesting," She responded in between breaths, "wouldn't you agree, Harry?"
He turned his head to look into her eyes. His emerald green orbs shined with happiness. He grinned stupidly. "I would have to say so; yet, I still think I could've done more damage."
Hermione's face took on another thoughtful gaze; she spoke clearly. "I suppose so, but I believe that was severe punishment on its own," She socked him playfully, "even though I also believe that it was a cruel and unfair exchange."
Harry had to laugh at that one. He cast her a smirk; she blushed. Hermione couldn't help but wonder what was happening between she and Harry. She knew that somewhere-she'd been trying desperately to avoid it- that she liked Harry Potter, one of her best friends. At first her feelings hadn't bothered her for she thought they were completely platonic and such. Lately though, Hermione found that her mind was wandering to Harry and how wonderful he was for no apparent reason. 'What is happening to me?' Her troubled state must have shown; Harry leaned into her, a worried gaze fixed itself upon her. She stared up at him, her expression blank and far away.
"Hermione, is something wrong?" He asked. She'd been acting odd for a few weeks, but it hadn't been as noticeable as it was now-to Harry at least.
Waking from her reverie, Hermione snapped her attention to the young man in front of her. "Oh...no, Harry, everything is quite fine-I assure you of that much." She wanted to smack herself silly for that last part. 'Why did I have to say "that much" for?' She grimaced. "Don't be such a worrywart, Harry Potter."
He decided to let it go for the time being. He planned on finding out sooner or later. Deep inside her heart, Hermione was in a torturous state. She knew something had changed; she couldn't place her finger on it. Finally-and eternity later it would seem- Hermione stood and headed for the girl's dormitories. She turned to Parvati and Lavender. "Parvati, Lavender, Ginny, are you three coming? It's late and I need not remind you about the Hogsmeade trip tomorrow-we will have to get up early."
"I almost forgot about that!" Ron shouted from somewhere.
"Correction, Ron Weasley, you did forget about it!" Dean replied.
"Whatever." Ron muttered.
Ginny gave an aggravated sigh. "Look, I don't know about you two, but I'm with Hermione. I'm heading out now, goodnight."
Everyone waved to them as they exited the welcoming warmth of the common room. Once in the hall, Ginny bombarded Hermione with questions. The honey-brown haired girl was taken aback. She didn't feel like giving explanations at the moment; she felt tired. Politely, but quickly, Hermione shooed Ginny off into bed, hopeful to get her own rest before the trip the next day. 'I must have had good luck today.' She smiled to herself; sleep awaited her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning-it was extremely early-Hermione woke and readied herself for a day in Hogsmeade. She threw her cloak over her robes and made her way down for an early breakfast. She was please to see that she was not alone in her preparation. Sitting down at the other table-the Slytherin table-was Draco Malfoy. Since nobody else was present except he and Hermione, Draco waved to her. She nodded in response and began drenching her pancakes with syrup (A/N: I really have no idea what they would eat over there so bare with me, all right?). An hour later, she found herself in the common room, her foot tapping on the wood floor. She glanced at her watch. 'They are going to be late!' She groaned in aggravation. 'Why are they taking so long?'
Like an answer to her prayers, they arrived: Ginny, Lavender, Ron, Parvati, Dean, Seamus, and the Weasley twins. Draco was to meet them at the entrance. They were readying to leave when Hermione noticed someone missing. She looked alarmed. "Hey, someone is missing from the group."
"Oiy, where is Harry?" Dean was puzzled. "I know he was behind me a minute ago."
"I'll go check." Hermione rushed up to the boys' dormitories. Cautiously, she opened the door, all the while being careful not to barge in on anybody. "Harry, are you in here?"
She gasped in surprise when she found him seated on his bed, his mien blank. Carefully, Hermione madder her way over to him, worry etched across her face. Taking a deep breath, she took a seat next Harry. She placed her hand on his arm. Leaning over enough so that she could hear him, his friend began to speak to him. "Harry, is something wrong?" When he didn't respond, Hermione's worry increased. "Look at me, Harry." He turned slightly, just enough for her to see his face. 'He is crying!' She was aghast. 'Why is he crying?' She shook him gently, her fingers trailing down to his hand. She grasped in comfortingly. "Harry, please tell me what it wrong," she felt her eyes tearing up at his nonexistent face, "I am worried about you, friend."
"It's nothing, really." He wiped his eyes on his shirtsleeves; he smiled weakly. "I just...it's kind of hard to explain. Why don't we just go to Hogsmeade; I don't want to think about anything serious right now."
Hermione began to persist, but the look Harry gave her warned her to push no farther. With aggravation, Hermione complied. She was very annoyed that Harry did not feel like sharing with her. 'I'm one of his best friends. How come he doesn't trust me anymore?' Though she was upset, she thought otherwise. She knew Harry was just not up to it; he still appreciated her, he was just tired, that's all. During their brief trip around Hogsmeade, Hermione pondered the reason of what could possibly be bothering Harry. 'It can't be Voldemort. He's nowhere near that powerful just yet, at least I don't think so.' She remembered the incident in fourth year. 'No way, it isn't possible.' Shaking the horrifying images from her mind, she continued her way, trailing behind Ron and Lavender. The rest of the afternoon they spent going throughout the various shops, all persons occasionally buying souvenirs here and there. After what seemed like an eternity, all the seventh years, plus the Weasley twins, headed back to Hogwarts.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
'Is there something that Ron and the guys aren't telling me?' Wondered Hermione. Everyone seemed to know something she didn't. Ron and Harry were playing Wizards' Chess while Dean and Seamus played a game of exploding snap. The Weasley twins were, for the third time that day, trying to convince Neville of trying their contraption; he was buying into it. Lavender and Parvati, as well as Ginny, were talking and giggling wildly in a small group in a corner of the room. Hermione felt like smacking herself silly. 'Why am I the only one who is alone here?' Besides Draco-who was in the Slytherin area of Hogwarts-Hermione was basically keeping herself company. As if that had not been reality enough, she was being plagued by images of Harry's earlier appearance. She worked up some courage. "Harry, is it possible that I could speak to you," She began nervously, "alone, if it is not too much to ask."
Harry stood up, whispered something to Ron, and he followed Hermione out of the portrait hole and into the hall. "Yeah Herms? What is it?"
"I don't want to pry, Harry-I'm begging you to believe me on that one-but why won't you tell me what was wrong this morning? I'm REALLY worried about you." Her face was pleading.
"Look, Hermione, I appreciate that you care about me that much, but it isn't something that I can share with you." Harry turned his back to her. He couldn't tell her why he'd been troubled; he'd be too embarrassed. "Can we leave it at that?"
"I guess so," she sounded disappointed, "but I don't understand you! I'm your friend, Harry! You tell Ron everything and you both leave me out of it! I'm tired of this!" With that she turned on her heels and ran to the prefects bathroom. She was confused by her outburst and by Harry's reaction. 'What am I going to do?' She burst through the bathroom door. She sank to the floor and began to sob harshly, something she hadn't done since the last time she was seriously hurt.
(Ok people, I think this will only be a two part series, but I think it will be sweet anyway. Please R&R! Oh and if u flame me, keep them decent all right? No cussing please.) *Calima*
Complicated Logic
Hermione Granger sighed in content. Outside, icicle hangings could be seen on the roof ledges. A fire-large enough to warm the Great Hall- blazed in the fireplace. Warm air engulfed the Gryffindor common room; she sighed again. Laughter was heard from outside. 'A snow fight has ensued, no doubt.' She thought merrily. Suddenly, a voice interrupted her observations.
"Why don't you join us?" A red headed boy inquired.
The honey-brown haired girl shook her head. "No thank you, Ron," She yawned lazily, "I'm beat."
"Well, if you might join us later during our little games, we will be outside." Ron answered.
Hermione nodded; Ron left thru the portrait hole. With another yawn, Hermione reached over and shook her friend. The black haired young man opened his eyes. Brown eyes met emerald green. He smiled and ran a hand thru his messy hair. "Thanks for waking me up." He winked. "What's up?"
She stretched before giving Harry a thoughtful look; Harry appeared perturbed. "Harry, did you finish your transfiguration homework?" He shook his head. She giggled. "Neither did I."
"That is a first." Harry snorted.
Hermione frowned. "It's not like I'm going to make a practice of it."
Harry chortled loudly in response, which earned him a pillow to the face. He gave Hermione a look of determination. She squeaked knowingly before making a run for it, but it was too late. Harry grabbed her from behind, threw her on the couch, and began his assault. Hermione shrieked with laughter. "Stop it, Harry! Please, Harry, I'm begging you!"
"Did I hear a plea for mercy?" Harry paused.
"Yes, you did, Harry Potter!" Hermione wheezed out.
"Too bad for you then, Ms. Granger!" He resumed his tickling frenzy.
A couple hours later...
Hermione lay on the soft, cushioned couch of the common room. Her eyes were open slightly; it was dark outside. To her side, Harry was resting peacefully, his head on her lap. Somehow, although she was unsure, she'd ended up winning Harry. Now he was snuggled to her, almost like a small child, the flames of the fire dancing upon his features. She marveled at him for a few minutes; her gaze wandered back to the firelight. The common room was empty. From her sitting position, she could hear people getting ready for dinner. Brushing back a stray lock of her hair, Hermione leaned over Harry and gently shook him to consciousness. He turned over but did not wake up. Hermione shrugged.
"Harry, it's dinnertime. Ron will be there any minute now." She whispered in his ear, softly.
A dazed look placed his face when he woke. He glanced around. "How long have I been sleeping?"
"Not too long, Harry," She pointed towards the Great Hall, "come on, dinner is going to be served."
He agreed. When they entered the Great Hall, Ron waved to them from the Gryffindor table. Next to him, (More like on him! - Hermione) sat Lavender Brown. "Hey, Harry, over here!" Ron greeted cheerily.
"Hullo, Ron. How's your friend?" Harry questioned.
Ron chuckled. "Like sugar, she is; she's sweet, very sweet."
Hermione snorted. "You mean she hasn't bored you to death with her talks of make-up?"
"She hasn't mentioned even once." Ron spread jam on his bread. "How are you guys?"
"We're peachy." Both replied at the same time.
"I can't believe it; you both even think alike!" Ron acted horrified by his friends answer.
"Leave them alone, Ronniekins!" Lavender cooed in his ear.
Ron blushed crimson. Hermione and Harry burst out in laughs. Across the table, Ginny was busy watching out for Slytherin commentary; she was looking for Draco's signal. No seemed to care otherwise. Suddenly Draco stood and left the Slytherin table; Ginny trailed shortly afterwards. This event, Hermione did notice. She tapped Harry lightly on the shoulder. "Do you think Ron knows about Ginny and Malfoy?"
"I doubt it, unless someone has told him." Harry looked serious. "I still can't believe we are helping, not to mention being nice, to that slimy git...Malfoy."
"It's for Ginny's sake, plus, Malfoy's not a bad guy," Hermione returned, "well, once you get to know him anyhow."
Harry nodded hesitantly. He was slightly surprised at Hermione's reaction to the news. When they'd found out, Harry was shocked. Hermione, on the other hand, seemed unsurprised. He didn't even understand why she'd said nothing. Not so much as a scold left her mouth. Even now, as she watched Ginny disappear from view, she looked calm. His thoughts were interrupted by one of his other friends, Seamus Finnigann (is that how it's spelled?).
"Ay, Harry!" Seamus shouted from the other side of the room. "Call Ron for me!"
Harry nodded and did so. Ron stood over to go to over to Seamus; Dean Thomas followed him. "Where are they going?" Parvati Patil asked Harry.
Harry shrugged. He didn't have a single clue. It would appear as though Dean, Ron, and Seamus were planning something; they were just like Ron's older brothers, Fred and George Weasley. It made Harry want to laugh that Ron had decided to carry on his brothers' so-called legacy. Next to him, Hermione was engrossed in relishing her chocolate pudding. Harry chuckled. Sometimes Hermione could be incredibly amusing. Hermione took note of this and, her curiosity getting the best of her, forced the rest of the pudding down her throat so that she could question Harry. When she'd finished, she turned to Harry. He looked bewildered by her forward face. "What is it?"
"Why were you staring at me like that?" She asked. "Do I have something on my face?"
"No, but, "Harry began, "you just look funny when you're engrossed in your food."
Hermione blushed. She managed a barely audible thank you before excusing herself and leaving the Great Hall. Flushed in the face, Hermione bolted up the girls' staircase to the dormitories. After throwing her books on the bed, she began rummaging throughout her trunk, desperately searching for her quill and parchment. 'Where is my quill?' She hurled a book over her shoulder. 'Where is my parchment supply? I'm going to drive myself stark mad!' She heaved a sigh of relief when a piece of paper poked out from underneath her transfiguration book. Hermione yipped with glee and picked up her Arithmancy book; she went down to the common room. Now that the Great Hall had cleared out, she was sure she would get SOME work done. 'Thank Merlin it is Friday today.' Setting her book on a table, Hermione smiled to herself, stretching her body out over the spacious couch. She knew Ron, Harry, and the usual gang would be down soon.
As if on cue, Harry came bounding down the staircase, Ron close behind him. They both plopped down on the floor beneath Hermione. Fred and George Weasley sprang up from behind the couch Hermione was seated on. She yelped. 'What are they doing here?' Dean and Seamus cracked with chuckles, which earned them all a body- binding spell. Looking satisfied, she settled back into her previous position, her eyes focusing on her parchment. Everything was silent until Ginny entered. "What is going on?" She asked in shock.
"Hermione felt that it would be appropriate to body-bind us because we scared her." Dean answered.
"Wow...she must be mad at you guys." Neville stared in awe, his eyes the size of saucers. "Are you going to let up?"
"Sometime later...AFTER I finish my Arithmancy homework." Hermione was looking smug. She blew away a stray lock of hair and placed her quill down. "All right, since you're all giving me that look...I'll let you go." Before she did so, the Weasley twins explained why they were at Hogwarts. Their mom had requested it specially.
Everyone cheered as she let the spell up. She was getting ready to sit back down when laughter started behind her. 'Uh oh.' She grimaced. 'Here it goes.' She was swept up in someone's arms and thrown onto the couch. Immediately she knew whom the culprit was. She opened her mouth to speak, "HARRY POTTER, LET ME GO THIS INSTANT!"
"Revenge is sweet Hermione." Ron answered casually while dusting off his clothing.
A horrified look crossed her face as the message processed in her brain. All of a sudden shrieks could be heard from her. Ron and Harry were tickling her madly. Finally, as if by a miracle, Ron let up and went to bug Ginny. This didn't thrill the youngest Weasley. In the corner, Fred and George were convincing Neville to try another one of their prank inventions. Neville didn't seem to notice the trick in progress. That left Dean and Seamus, who at that present moment, were chatting up Parvati and Lavender. Of course, when Ron saw this, he went over to set them straight. Lastly, Harry had not given up on his revenge on Hermione. She was now in tears as well as howling with giggles. About ten minutes later, when Hermione felt like her sides would rip open, she found herself lying on the couch, Harry at her side.
"Well, that was rather interesting," She responded in between breaths, "wouldn't you agree, Harry?"
He turned his head to look into her eyes. His emerald green orbs shined with happiness. He grinned stupidly. "I would have to say so; yet, I still think I could've done more damage."
Hermione's face took on another thoughtful gaze; she spoke clearly. "I suppose so, but I believe that was severe punishment on its own," She socked him playfully, "even though I also believe that it was a cruel and unfair exchange."
Harry had to laugh at that one. He cast her a smirk; she blushed. Hermione couldn't help but wonder what was happening between she and Harry. She knew that somewhere-she'd been trying desperately to avoid it- that she liked Harry Potter, one of her best friends. At first her feelings hadn't bothered her for she thought they were completely platonic and such. Lately though, Hermione found that her mind was wandering to Harry and how wonderful he was for no apparent reason. 'What is happening to me?' Her troubled state must have shown; Harry leaned into her, a worried gaze fixed itself upon her. She stared up at him, her expression blank and far away.
"Hermione, is something wrong?" He asked. She'd been acting odd for a few weeks, but it hadn't been as noticeable as it was now-to Harry at least.
Waking from her reverie, Hermione snapped her attention to the young man in front of her. "Oh...no, Harry, everything is quite fine-I assure you of that much." She wanted to smack herself silly for that last part. 'Why did I have to say "that much" for?' She grimaced. "Don't be such a worrywart, Harry Potter."
He decided to let it go for the time being. He planned on finding out sooner or later. Deep inside her heart, Hermione was in a torturous state. She knew something had changed; she couldn't place her finger on it. Finally-and eternity later it would seem- Hermione stood and headed for the girl's dormitories. She turned to Parvati and Lavender. "Parvati, Lavender, Ginny, are you three coming? It's late and I need not remind you about the Hogsmeade trip tomorrow-we will have to get up early."
"I almost forgot about that!" Ron shouted from somewhere.
"Correction, Ron Weasley, you did forget about it!" Dean replied.
"Whatever." Ron muttered.
Ginny gave an aggravated sigh. "Look, I don't know about you two, but I'm with Hermione. I'm heading out now, goodnight."
Everyone waved to them as they exited the welcoming warmth of the common room. Once in the hall, Ginny bombarded Hermione with questions. The honey-brown haired girl was taken aback. She didn't feel like giving explanations at the moment; she felt tired. Politely, but quickly, Hermione shooed Ginny off into bed, hopeful to get her own rest before the trip the next day. 'I must have had good luck today.' She smiled to herself; sleep awaited her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning-it was extremely early-Hermione woke and readied herself for a day in Hogsmeade. She threw her cloak over her robes and made her way down for an early breakfast. She was please to see that she was not alone in her preparation. Sitting down at the other table-the Slytherin table-was Draco Malfoy. Since nobody else was present except he and Hermione, Draco waved to her. She nodded in response and began drenching her pancakes with syrup (A/N: I really have no idea what they would eat over there so bare with me, all right?). An hour later, she found herself in the common room, her foot tapping on the wood floor. She glanced at her watch. 'They are going to be late!' She groaned in aggravation. 'Why are they taking so long?'
Like an answer to her prayers, they arrived: Ginny, Lavender, Ron, Parvati, Dean, Seamus, and the Weasley twins. Draco was to meet them at the entrance. They were readying to leave when Hermione noticed someone missing. She looked alarmed. "Hey, someone is missing from the group."
"Oiy, where is Harry?" Dean was puzzled. "I know he was behind me a minute ago."
"I'll go check." Hermione rushed up to the boys' dormitories. Cautiously, she opened the door, all the while being careful not to barge in on anybody. "Harry, are you in here?"
She gasped in surprise when she found him seated on his bed, his mien blank. Carefully, Hermione madder her way over to him, worry etched across her face. Taking a deep breath, she took a seat next Harry. She placed her hand on his arm. Leaning over enough so that she could hear him, his friend began to speak to him. "Harry, is something wrong?" When he didn't respond, Hermione's worry increased. "Look at me, Harry." He turned slightly, just enough for her to see his face. 'He is crying!' She was aghast. 'Why is he crying?' She shook him gently, her fingers trailing down to his hand. She grasped in comfortingly. "Harry, please tell me what it wrong," she felt her eyes tearing up at his nonexistent face, "I am worried about you, friend."
"It's nothing, really." He wiped his eyes on his shirtsleeves; he smiled weakly. "I just...it's kind of hard to explain. Why don't we just go to Hogsmeade; I don't want to think about anything serious right now."
Hermione began to persist, but the look Harry gave her warned her to push no farther. With aggravation, Hermione complied. She was very annoyed that Harry did not feel like sharing with her. 'I'm one of his best friends. How come he doesn't trust me anymore?' Though she was upset, she thought otherwise. She knew Harry was just not up to it; he still appreciated her, he was just tired, that's all. During their brief trip around Hogsmeade, Hermione pondered the reason of what could possibly be bothering Harry. 'It can't be Voldemort. He's nowhere near that powerful just yet, at least I don't think so.' She remembered the incident in fourth year. 'No way, it isn't possible.' Shaking the horrifying images from her mind, she continued her way, trailing behind Ron and Lavender. The rest of the afternoon they spent going throughout the various shops, all persons occasionally buying souvenirs here and there. After what seemed like an eternity, all the seventh years, plus the Weasley twins, headed back to Hogwarts.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
'Is there something that Ron and the guys aren't telling me?' Wondered Hermione. Everyone seemed to know something she didn't. Ron and Harry were playing Wizards' Chess while Dean and Seamus played a game of exploding snap. The Weasley twins were, for the third time that day, trying to convince Neville of trying their contraption; he was buying into it. Lavender and Parvati, as well as Ginny, were talking and giggling wildly in a small group in a corner of the room. Hermione felt like smacking herself silly. 'Why am I the only one who is alone here?' Besides Draco-who was in the Slytherin area of Hogwarts-Hermione was basically keeping herself company. As if that had not been reality enough, she was being plagued by images of Harry's earlier appearance. She worked up some courage. "Harry, is it possible that I could speak to you," She began nervously, "alone, if it is not too much to ask."
Harry stood up, whispered something to Ron, and he followed Hermione out of the portrait hole and into the hall. "Yeah Herms? What is it?"
"I don't want to pry, Harry-I'm begging you to believe me on that one-but why won't you tell me what was wrong this morning? I'm REALLY worried about you." Her face was pleading.
"Look, Hermione, I appreciate that you care about me that much, but it isn't something that I can share with you." Harry turned his back to her. He couldn't tell her why he'd been troubled; he'd be too embarrassed. "Can we leave it at that?"
"I guess so," she sounded disappointed, "but I don't understand you! I'm your friend, Harry! You tell Ron everything and you both leave me out of it! I'm tired of this!" With that she turned on her heels and ran to the prefects bathroom. She was confused by her outburst and by Harry's reaction. 'What am I going to do?' She burst through the bathroom door. She sank to the floor and began to sob harshly, something she hadn't done since the last time she was seriously hurt.
(Ok people, I think this will only be a two part series, but I think it will be sweet anyway. Please R&R! Oh and if u flame me, keep them decent all right? No cussing please.) *Calima*