A/N
My apologies for taking so long! Also my apologies for not having this chapter properly beta'd! My poor beta reader has been really busy ( however I did go over it a few times and I hope that I weeded out most of the mistakes. I just couldn't wait any longer to upload this chapter… I was starting' to get email' threats! : P
~Yuna
********
"Interesting dream Hermione…" professor Winthrop said after some thought.
"So do you think it means anything?" asked Hermione.
"Yup, means you're under a lot of stress." Winthrop said curtly.
Hermione looked at her professor with scepticism.
"What? You want me to go into a trance and interpret your dream as some death omen? If that's what you want, Trelawneys tower is just down the hall," Winthrop said impatiently.
"No, I'm just scared that the dream may come true," Hermione confessed.
"Usually only true seers have prophetic death dreams," Winthrop said flatly
Professor Winthrop thought for a bit then asked cautiously, "Hermione is there anything else in you dream that you remember?"
"No, I don't think so. Why? Is there something wrong?"
"No, no, just curious," she quickly said, "now if you don't mind Hermione, I do need to write a letter to a dear friend. But please do tell me if you have an other dream similar to the one you just shared with me."
"Of course."
As soon as Hermione left, Professor Winthrop sat down at her desk. Grabbing a piece of parchment and a quill she hastily began to write.
********
Hermione entered the Gryffindor common room to the sound of a familiar voice.
"Can you believe McGonagall? Cleaning the elf's quarters, and here I thought I've done it all. Man was it ever cramped! I'm going to have kinks in my back for weeks!" Ron was telling Harry.
Hermione laughed, visions of her six-foot friend down on his hands and knees scrubbing the floor of the elf rooms, which were very small, only about four and a quarter foot high.
"What are you laughing at?" spat Ron.
"You," Hermione replied.
Ron shot her a glare that gave Hermione a chill.
"I'm sorry Ron, but honestly you don't have to be a prat about it!"
Ron didn't bother replying; instead he took off towards the guy's dorms.
"Honestly what is wrong with him?" Hermione said as she dropped on to the common room sofa.
"You're not serious Hermione? Ron is right pissed off with what has happened this past weekend!" Harry exclaimed.
He made his way to Hermione and sat beside her.
"Ron took a risk, thinking that you cared for him."
"He assumed to much."
"You told me you loved him!" Harry said forcefully.
Hermione remained silent; she didn't know what to say.
Harry's voice softened, "Hermione, don't play games."
"I'm not."
"Then what is going on?"
"I don't know, I don't know," she looked away.
"Hermione at least answer me this, do you love Ron?" Harry asked.
"I thought I did," she said hotly.
Harry was silent. Hermione turned to look at him; his bright green eyes were intently upon her. She could tell that a lot of questions and thoughts were running through his mind.
"You're going to have to talk to Ron," Harry broke the silence, "he gave up Emma believing he had a chance with you."
Hermione became defensive, "his actions were foolish, he shouldn't have assumed as much! It's not my fault he went and mucked up!"
"Hermione I'm not saying its your fault, I'm just saying that Ron is hurting and feeling pretty stupid right now, and perhaps you should talk to him," Harry explained. "As a friend."
Hermione nodded in agreement, then left towards her room. She had no idea how she was going to talk to Ron.
****
Entry 931202
I some how think that I may have miss judged Emma. I hated her because she had Ron's affections, but know I can't help but wonder if she suffers the same that I do. She must. To see her cry reminded me that she is human, and that she possesses the same emotions that I do. How could I have been so cold, and hatful towards her? It wasn't her fault.
Hermione scarcely knew what else to write.
"Oh if only none of this ever happened! Why could I not just be content with having two good friends nothing more?" she said to herself.
Hermione put her dairy away and tried to sleep, it was past midnight. However she couldn't sleep. Events of the day, as well as the past few months kept running through her head. Hermione got up, wrapped her robe around her and headed down to the common room.
The common room fire was still burning strongly. Hermione walked to wards the sofa nearest the fire and soon realized she was not alone.
"Ron?"
Ron looked up at Hermione, his expression unreadable.
"Hermione."
"I-I couldn't sleep." Hermione explained.
"Mmm."
Hermione sat herself down on the same sofa as Ron, but still kept her distance. She looked down at her hands in her lap trying to formulate a way to so say what was on her mind.
"Ron. I'm sorry."
"Yeah. So am I."
Hermione winced, the combination of the tone of his voice and his choice of words were hurtful and she didn't know how to reply to them.
There was a long uncomfortable silence that was then broken by Ron's voice.
"Will you go to the Yule Ball with me?"
"What?" Hermione was totally bewildered.
"The Yule Ball, will you go with me?" Ron repeated, looking strait into the fire.
Hermione knew what her answer should be, but she couldn't manage to get it out.
"I- um… I." she stammered.
"Look I understand if you say no. I haven't exactly been the best guy and stuff. But well Emma won't go with me after what has happened…"
If there were ever a guy who was good at putting his foot in his mouth it was this one.
"So you want me to go with you because Emma turned you down?" Hermione spat out.
"It's not like that," Ron tried to defend himself.
"Then what is it Ron? I'm not an object that you can use and discard at whim!" Hermione said angrily.
"Same can be said about you!" Ron retorted, "look, I just wanted to go with you, Ok Hermione? But it is obvious that you don't want to come with me so just forget I asked!"
Ron got up to leave. Hermione grabbed his arm, "Ron I'm sorry. I'll go to the Yule ball with you," Hermione bit her lip. Why was she agreeing to go with him?
"Thank you 'Mione," Ron quietly said, then headed back to his room.
"I hope I don't regret this," Hermione breathed to herself as soon as Ron was out of the room.
******
Hermione woke up the next morning feeling sick to her stomach. She quickly recalled the events of last night, and felt even worse. Hermione sluggishly got dressed and headed down the stairs into the common room where both Ron and Harry were waiting. Their backs were turned to her and they were deep in conversation with each other. She let out a small groan and headed back upstairs; last thing she wanted was to see Harry or Ron. Hermione entered the room and flopped back onto her bed.
"What's up Hermione? Boy trouble again?" Lavender teased.
"You don't know the half of it," Hermione stated.
"I would if you told me," Lavender told her.
Hermione thought for a moment before telling Lavender what was on her mind.
"Ron asked me to the Yule Ball," Hermione started.
"...And?" Lavender said with excitement as she rushed to Hermione's side to hear more.
"I said yes…"
"That's great! But isn't he with Emma?"
"Was..." Hermione corrected her, "but I don't want to go with him. I almost get the feeling that he asked just for the sake of not going alone."
"Well why don't you just tell him no?"
"It's not that simple," Hermione sighed.
"Yes it is, NO!" Lavender smiled.
"It's not that simple," Hermione repeated.
"I guess. It would be wicked if it was!" Lavender joked, "come on, lets go get some breakfast."
Hermione groaned again as she rolled over.
"They're down there," she stated.
"Who? Ron and Harry?" Lavender asked.
Hermione nodded.
"Lame excuse for missing out of a Hogwarts breakfast! Come on!"
Hermione reluctantly got up and followed Lavender down the stairs to find that Ron was nowhere to be found. Harry however was still waiting.
"Morning," Harry greeted them, "Mione, Ron had to leave, but he asked me to give you this."
Harry handed her a small piece of folded parchment, she opened it to find Ron's messing writing.
Hermione, sorry to do this, but I will be going to the Yule Ball with Emma after all. You have been a good friend to agree to go with me. I hope that you are all right with this.
Ron
Hermione smiled. Although she didn't like the idea of being dumped, she was glad to know that she didn't have to go to the Yule Ball with him.
"All right Hermione?" Harry asked.
Hermione smiled at Harry, "all right."
*****
Hermione never thought she would say this, but she was happy to see Ron back with Emma. During potions Ron and Emma successfully melted their cauldron, which Snape was non-to happy about, taking substantial points off from Gryffindor. Ron took his punishment with a straight face that is until Snape turned his back and Ron began to snicker. Ron was defiantly happier with Emma Hermione thought.
"Things are better this way," she whispered to herself
"Huh? What was that Mione?" Harry asked trying not to divert his attention from the potion they were working on.
"Oh nothing," Hermione reassured him.
*****
"Ron sure looks like he's doin' all right," Harry commented one day when they were returning to the Gryffindor tower after supper.
"Yeah, I'm glad to see it. I think he's happy with Emma," Hermione added.
Harry smiled.
Hermione blushed.
They walked in silence till they got to the common room. Hermione bit her lip, she wanted to talk with Harry, she was dying to know if he still had the same feelings for her as he did before. The common room and was empty the time was perfect.
"I got practice tonight," Harry said breaking the silence.
'Shit!' Hermione exclaimed to herself.
"Want to come watch?" Harry asked.
Never in her whole time knowing him did he ever ask her to watch a practice. She always went to the games, but that was different, all of Hogwarts went to the games.
Hermione smiled, "sure."
Harry smiled, this time much wider, "I'll be right back"
He ran up the stairs skipping every other step, disappearing into the guy's dormitories. Hermione didn't have to wait long before Harry was back out in the common room with his practice robes on and his broomstick in hand.
"Lets go then," Harry said cheerfully.
At the pitch Hermione sat herself a comfortable spot in the Gryffindor section of the bleachers and watched as Harry gathered his team into a pre practice huddle.
The evening was pleasant and there was a warm breeze that would pick up every once and a while. From what Hermione could see the practice was going well, the team worked hard at whatever task or exercise Harry would give them, they seemed to trust and admire Harry. Hermione laughed at her thoughts, its no wonder why he's the Captain.
It was about an hour later when the practice was finished and the Gryffindor team filed out of the pitch. Hermione made her way down to where Harry was waiting.
"Looking good out there," she complemented.
"Thanks. I think that we are well on our way to winning for sure this year," Harry said confidently.
Hermione smiled, she couldn't help thinking how attractive Harry really was. She blushed and looked to her shoes to hide the pink that had risen to her cheeks. There was an uncomfortable silence.
"What?" Harry asked nervously breaking the stillness.
Hermione looked up into his eyes, she wanted to tell him just how handsome he was, how he made her feel like flying every time they were together, how his gentle manner would cause her to melt inside, how she desired to be in his embrace. She wanted to tell him that she needed him more then he could ever imagine and that any time apart from him was unbearable. Hermione bit her lip.
"Harry, I – I," she stammered.
Harry softly placed a shaky arm around her back and bent down tenderly taking her lips with his. Hermione trembling with emotion placed her hand on his chest, part to steady herself, part to make sure he was real. She kissed him back. Harry broke the kiss and smiled.
Hermione smiled back, "Harry, I love you."
"Really?"
Hermione nodded her head yes.
"Hermione…" Harry whispered and with out warning he picked her up and swung her around once.
He gently placed her down, grinning like a fool. Hermione laughed, and then brought his head down for another kiss.
To Hermione, this felt right and perfect in everyway. In this instant she knew that Harry was the one for her, he always was, it just took her a while to figure it out.
Fin.
My apologies for taking so long! Also my apologies for not having this chapter properly beta'd! My poor beta reader has been really busy ( however I did go over it a few times and I hope that I weeded out most of the mistakes. I just couldn't wait any longer to upload this chapter… I was starting' to get email' threats! : P
~Yuna
********
"Interesting dream Hermione…" professor Winthrop said after some thought.
"So do you think it means anything?" asked Hermione.
"Yup, means you're under a lot of stress." Winthrop said curtly.
Hermione looked at her professor with scepticism.
"What? You want me to go into a trance and interpret your dream as some death omen? If that's what you want, Trelawneys tower is just down the hall," Winthrop said impatiently.
"No, I'm just scared that the dream may come true," Hermione confessed.
"Usually only true seers have prophetic death dreams," Winthrop said flatly
Professor Winthrop thought for a bit then asked cautiously, "Hermione is there anything else in you dream that you remember?"
"No, I don't think so. Why? Is there something wrong?"
"No, no, just curious," she quickly said, "now if you don't mind Hermione, I do need to write a letter to a dear friend. But please do tell me if you have an other dream similar to the one you just shared with me."
"Of course."
As soon as Hermione left, Professor Winthrop sat down at her desk. Grabbing a piece of parchment and a quill she hastily began to write.
********
Hermione entered the Gryffindor common room to the sound of a familiar voice.
"Can you believe McGonagall? Cleaning the elf's quarters, and here I thought I've done it all. Man was it ever cramped! I'm going to have kinks in my back for weeks!" Ron was telling Harry.
Hermione laughed, visions of her six-foot friend down on his hands and knees scrubbing the floor of the elf rooms, which were very small, only about four and a quarter foot high.
"What are you laughing at?" spat Ron.
"You," Hermione replied.
Ron shot her a glare that gave Hermione a chill.
"I'm sorry Ron, but honestly you don't have to be a prat about it!"
Ron didn't bother replying; instead he took off towards the guy's dorms.
"Honestly what is wrong with him?" Hermione said as she dropped on to the common room sofa.
"You're not serious Hermione? Ron is right pissed off with what has happened this past weekend!" Harry exclaimed.
He made his way to Hermione and sat beside her.
"Ron took a risk, thinking that you cared for him."
"He assumed to much."
"You told me you loved him!" Harry said forcefully.
Hermione remained silent; she didn't know what to say.
Harry's voice softened, "Hermione, don't play games."
"I'm not."
"Then what is going on?"
"I don't know, I don't know," she looked away.
"Hermione at least answer me this, do you love Ron?" Harry asked.
"I thought I did," she said hotly.
Harry was silent. Hermione turned to look at him; his bright green eyes were intently upon her. She could tell that a lot of questions and thoughts were running through his mind.
"You're going to have to talk to Ron," Harry broke the silence, "he gave up Emma believing he had a chance with you."
Hermione became defensive, "his actions were foolish, he shouldn't have assumed as much! It's not my fault he went and mucked up!"
"Hermione I'm not saying its your fault, I'm just saying that Ron is hurting and feeling pretty stupid right now, and perhaps you should talk to him," Harry explained. "As a friend."
Hermione nodded in agreement, then left towards her room. She had no idea how she was going to talk to Ron.
****
Entry 931202
I some how think that I may have miss judged Emma. I hated her because she had Ron's affections, but know I can't help but wonder if she suffers the same that I do. She must. To see her cry reminded me that she is human, and that she possesses the same emotions that I do. How could I have been so cold, and hatful towards her? It wasn't her fault.
Hermione scarcely knew what else to write.
"Oh if only none of this ever happened! Why could I not just be content with having two good friends nothing more?" she said to herself.
Hermione put her dairy away and tried to sleep, it was past midnight. However she couldn't sleep. Events of the day, as well as the past few months kept running through her head. Hermione got up, wrapped her robe around her and headed down to the common room.
The common room fire was still burning strongly. Hermione walked to wards the sofa nearest the fire and soon realized she was not alone.
"Ron?"
Ron looked up at Hermione, his expression unreadable.
"Hermione."
"I-I couldn't sleep." Hermione explained.
"Mmm."
Hermione sat herself down on the same sofa as Ron, but still kept her distance. She looked down at her hands in her lap trying to formulate a way to so say what was on her mind.
"Ron. I'm sorry."
"Yeah. So am I."
Hermione winced, the combination of the tone of his voice and his choice of words were hurtful and she didn't know how to reply to them.
There was a long uncomfortable silence that was then broken by Ron's voice.
"Will you go to the Yule Ball with me?"
"What?" Hermione was totally bewildered.
"The Yule Ball, will you go with me?" Ron repeated, looking strait into the fire.
Hermione knew what her answer should be, but she couldn't manage to get it out.
"I- um… I." she stammered.
"Look I understand if you say no. I haven't exactly been the best guy and stuff. But well Emma won't go with me after what has happened…"
If there were ever a guy who was good at putting his foot in his mouth it was this one.
"So you want me to go with you because Emma turned you down?" Hermione spat out.
"It's not like that," Ron tried to defend himself.
"Then what is it Ron? I'm not an object that you can use and discard at whim!" Hermione said angrily.
"Same can be said about you!" Ron retorted, "look, I just wanted to go with you, Ok Hermione? But it is obvious that you don't want to come with me so just forget I asked!"
Ron got up to leave. Hermione grabbed his arm, "Ron I'm sorry. I'll go to the Yule ball with you," Hermione bit her lip. Why was she agreeing to go with him?
"Thank you 'Mione," Ron quietly said, then headed back to his room.
"I hope I don't regret this," Hermione breathed to herself as soon as Ron was out of the room.
******
Hermione woke up the next morning feeling sick to her stomach. She quickly recalled the events of last night, and felt even worse. Hermione sluggishly got dressed and headed down the stairs into the common room where both Ron and Harry were waiting. Their backs were turned to her and they were deep in conversation with each other. She let out a small groan and headed back upstairs; last thing she wanted was to see Harry or Ron. Hermione entered the room and flopped back onto her bed.
"What's up Hermione? Boy trouble again?" Lavender teased.
"You don't know the half of it," Hermione stated.
"I would if you told me," Lavender told her.
Hermione thought for a moment before telling Lavender what was on her mind.
"Ron asked me to the Yule Ball," Hermione started.
"...And?" Lavender said with excitement as she rushed to Hermione's side to hear more.
"I said yes…"
"That's great! But isn't he with Emma?"
"Was..." Hermione corrected her, "but I don't want to go with him. I almost get the feeling that he asked just for the sake of not going alone."
"Well why don't you just tell him no?"
"It's not that simple," Hermione sighed.
"Yes it is, NO!" Lavender smiled.
"It's not that simple," Hermione repeated.
"I guess. It would be wicked if it was!" Lavender joked, "come on, lets go get some breakfast."
Hermione groaned again as she rolled over.
"They're down there," she stated.
"Who? Ron and Harry?" Lavender asked.
Hermione nodded.
"Lame excuse for missing out of a Hogwarts breakfast! Come on!"
Hermione reluctantly got up and followed Lavender down the stairs to find that Ron was nowhere to be found. Harry however was still waiting.
"Morning," Harry greeted them, "Mione, Ron had to leave, but he asked me to give you this."
Harry handed her a small piece of folded parchment, she opened it to find Ron's messing writing.
Hermione, sorry to do this, but I will be going to the Yule Ball with Emma after all. You have been a good friend to agree to go with me. I hope that you are all right with this.
Ron
Hermione smiled. Although she didn't like the idea of being dumped, she was glad to know that she didn't have to go to the Yule Ball with him.
"All right Hermione?" Harry asked.
Hermione smiled at Harry, "all right."
*****
Hermione never thought she would say this, but she was happy to see Ron back with Emma. During potions Ron and Emma successfully melted their cauldron, which Snape was non-to happy about, taking substantial points off from Gryffindor. Ron took his punishment with a straight face that is until Snape turned his back and Ron began to snicker. Ron was defiantly happier with Emma Hermione thought.
"Things are better this way," she whispered to herself
"Huh? What was that Mione?" Harry asked trying not to divert his attention from the potion they were working on.
"Oh nothing," Hermione reassured him.
*****
"Ron sure looks like he's doin' all right," Harry commented one day when they were returning to the Gryffindor tower after supper.
"Yeah, I'm glad to see it. I think he's happy with Emma," Hermione added.
Harry smiled.
Hermione blushed.
They walked in silence till they got to the common room. Hermione bit her lip, she wanted to talk with Harry, she was dying to know if he still had the same feelings for her as he did before. The common room and was empty the time was perfect.
"I got practice tonight," Harry said breaking the silence.
'Shit!' Hermione exclaimed to herself.
"Want to come watch?" Harry asked.
Never in her whole time knowing him did he ever ask her to watch a practice. She always went to the games, but that was different, all of Hogwarts went to the games.
Hermione smiled, "sure."
Harry smiled, this time much wider, "I'll be right back"
He ran up the stairs skipping every other step, disappearing into the guy's dormitories. Hermione didn't have to wait long before Harry was back out in the common room with his practice robes on and his broomstick in hand.
"Lets go then," Harry said cheerfully.
At the pitch Hermione sat herself a comfortable spot in the Gryffindor section of the bleachers and watched as Harry gathered his team into a pre practice huddle.
The evening was pleasant and there was a warm breeze that would pick up every once and a while. From what Hermione could see the practice was going well, the team worked hard at whatever task or exercise Harry would give them, they seemed to trust and admire Harry. Hermione laughed at her thoughts, its no wonder why he's the Captain.
It was about an hour later when the practice was finished and the Gryffindor team filed out of the pitch. Hermione made her way down to where Harry was waiting.
"Looking good out there," she complemented.
"Thanks. I think that we are well on our way to winning for sure this year," Harry said confidently.
Hermione smiled, she couldn't help thinking how attractive Harry really was. She blushed and looked to her shoes to hide the pink that had risen to her cheeks. There was an uncomfortable silence.
"What?" Harry asked nervously breaking the stillness.
Hermione looked up into his eyes, she wanted to tell him just how handsome he was, how he made her feel like flying every time they were together, how his gentle manner would cause her to melt inside, how she desired to be in his embrace. She wanted to tell him that she needed him more then he could ever imagine and that any time apart from him was unbearable. Hermione bit her lip.
"Harry, I – I," she stammered.
Harry softly placed a shaky arm around her back and bent down tenderly taking her lips with his. Hermione trembling with emotion placed her hand on his chest, part to steady herself, part to make sure he was real. She kissed him back. Harry broke the kiss and smiled.
Hermione smiled back, "Harry, I love you."
"Really?"
Hermione nodded her head yes.
"Hermione…" Harry whispered and with out warning he picked her up and swung her around once.
He gently placed her down, grinning like a fool. Hermione laughed, and then brought his head down for another kiss.
To Hermione, this felt right and perfect in everyway. In this instant she knew that Harry was the one for her, he always was, it just took her a while to figure it out.
Fin.
