Hermione looked up at Harry and wondered how best to say it; she wanted
Harry to know the truth about what had happened but she didn't want to
scare him off.
"What's wrong Hermione?" Harry asked, sensing the trouble she was having trying to say whatever it was she wanted to say.
"It's not really anything that's wrong; more like something I want you to know," she replied quietly. Unpleasant thoughts raced through Harry's mind; what had she done?
"Over the summer." she began, "you know I went to visit Viktor, well while I was there something happened." She paused to view Harry's response; he wasn't saying anything, so she continued.
"While I was there.at Viktor's I mean.oh Harry!" she couldn't say anymore as she broke down in tears. What could possibly have happened, Harry was thinking. He put a comforting arm around her and tried to calm her tears.
"It was so horrible.and I couldn't." Hermione tried to tell Harry what had happened but the words just wouldn't come out.
"Hermione," Harry said carefully, "what happened?" Hermione looked up at the guy she was in love with and tried to say it again,
"He tried." she began, but she didn't need to go on, Harry realised what had happened and a surge of anger bolted through him, causing him to cling more tightly to Hermione.
"Shh, it's ok," he said rocking her gently, "It's ok, you never have to see him again; and if he does show his face." Harry didn't want to think what he'd do if he ever saw Krum again; Krum, the guy who'd been his Quidditch hero from the word go, was in fact just a sleaze who tried it on with anyone. Hermione's tears subsided and Harry bent down to kiss her lightly on the lips.
"You don't have to worry," Harry said gently, "It's me, and I love you." They sat that way until Hermione eventually fell asleep in his arms, with Harry's head resting on the top of hers. Harry now realised why Hermione had panicked that night in Hogsmeade when things had got a little heated under the covers; she was scared, and if Harry admitted it, so was he.
Harry woke Hermione early before people started getting up; he kissed her goodbye as she made her way back to her dorm, assuring her that he loved her more than anything. She returned the feelings and assured him of her own. Down at breakfast, the Yule Ball was all anyone was talking about.
"So Ron, when are you going to ask me?" Lavender pouted at him.
"I don't need to ask; we're going out aren't we?" Ron replied, his mouth full of food. Lavender turned away, sulking.
"Ok, Ok, Lavender, darling, will you do me the honour of going to this year's Yule Ball with me?" Ron asked, a little over dramatically. Lavender's sulk broke into a smile.
"Of course!" she replied, flinging her arms around him. "I have to decide how to wear my hair now," she said with glee, walking off to rejoin her group of giggling friends. She blew Ron a kiss as she headed out of the door. Ron smiled to himself; he didn't need to tell her the truth about Amy; he wanted to be with Lavender and that was all that mattered. "Hey, you two, over here!" Ron called to Harry and Hermione as they entered the hall. They joined him at the table, tucking into croissants and jam.
"Patched things up with Lavender yet?" Harry asked Ron.
"Yeah, it's all sorted, everything's sorted," Ron added with a look at Harry to make sure he knew what he meant.
"Great!" replied Harry enthusiastically. He just wanted everything back to normal, especially with the Ball being at the end of the week. Hermione said she'd bought new robes to wear this year, even though she'd had new ones last year; Harry remembered how amazing she'd looked last year; her hair all done up and everything, except this year he would be her partner, not that sleazy Krum. Hermione cheered up a bit by the end of breakfast, and as she headed off to the library Ron and Harry set up a game of wizard's chess, giving them time to talk about Ron and Lavender. Ron filled Harry in on what was happening, explaining that he didn't feel he needed to tell her the truth, since Amy hadn't really meant anything to him anyway; Harry agreed that it wasn't necessary to tell. He didn't tell Ron about Hermione, since she hadn't said he could; Harry got the feeling Hermione wanted to keep it between them, so he kept quiet about it. What he did want to talk about was a certain area of interest, where Ron happened to be more experienced in.
"Wow!" was all Harry could say after Ron had finished.
"Yeah, but to be honest, I wish I hadn't," Ron added after he'd gone through the horny details.
"Really? Why?" asked Harry, interested in what Ron had to say.
"I just wish it could have been with someone I, well, kinda loved," he said, going red in the face. The boys had lowered their voices so as not to be heard by any eavesdroppers, whose numbers seemed to have increased lately, owing to certain rumours lurking about the school.
"Yeah, I see what you mean," Harry said thoughtfully, "Like it is with me and Hermione?"
"Uh! I don't need details thanks, but yeah, like that." Ron replied with a sigh. "Lavender's really great and everything, it's just, I dunno, there's something missing."
"Maybe you're trying to hard," Harry suggested, "Just let it be, let it be," Harry added, beginning to sing the famous Beatle's lyrics. Ron pushed him playfully from across the table as they returned to their chess game.
The morning of the Ball arrived soon enough, and preparations for the Yule Ball were nearly complete. The house-elves were going all out with the catering, and Dumbledore had hired in a famous wizard band to play at the Ball- 'Muggleborn' was their name, and Draco Malfoy was one of those not pleased at all.
"Fancy getting mudbloods to play at our school Ball," he was saying to a group of Slytherin's, "My father will certainly have something to say about this," he added as he walked over to where Pansy Parkinson was stood with her gang of Slytherin girls. He'd already asked her to go with him, and he wanted to check she'd be ready early.
"We're getting there for 7:00 pm not 7:30 ok." he said to her, not expecting her to reply.
"No way!" she shrieked, "I need at least 3 and a half hours to get ready and my last class doesn't finish till 4, so you'll just have to wait for me!" and with that she stalked off to rejoin her friends. Malfoy just stood there and had to except it; he certainly wasn't going to walk in alone.
"Hermione, are you ready yet?" Harry called through the door. She'd been in there for almost 2 hours, and Harry couldn't imagine what would be taking so long.
"You can't come in!" she cried at him, "I'll be out in a minute." Harry had to except this and went back to wait in the common room. Ron and Lavender were already ready, and getting impatient. Harry had to say Lavender looked stunning; in deep blue robes with a gold trim, and Ron had managed to persuade his parents for new dress robes, which meant he now sported navy blue robes with silver edging; they looked great together Harry commented. It was nearly 7:30 and Hermione still hadn't ventured out. Harry was beginning to wonder if he'd recognise her, he hoped she wouldn't look too different; he loved her the way she was. Harry was just about to call again when he saw Lavender gasp. Harry turned to see Hermione entering the room. He couldn't believe how beautiful she looked; she looked almost the same as she always did, apart from her dress robes and a remarkable hair clip she'd placed delicately on the side of her head. She wore deep ruby, red robes with a gold trim, similar to that of Lavender's; she matched his own burgundy robes, which he wore last year; she must have remembered he thought, delighted. But it was the hair clip Harry was drawn to most. It had a remarkable sparkle to it, resembling that of a diamond, except it was red and gold. Her hair fell in bouncy curls about her shoulders; similar to how she usually wore it, except they weren't so frizzy!
"You look amazing," Harry whispered as he took her arm to lead her down to the hall.
"Thanks, so do you!" she replied, smiling that dazzling smile that Harry just couldn't resist.
"I was afraid I wouldn't recognise you!" Harry joked as they walked behind Ron and Lavender who couldn't seem to keep their hands off each other!
"I've realised I like the way I look, and I don't have to plaster my face in make-up to look attractive," Hermione said, glancing at Harry as she spoke.
"I love the way you look too," Harry remarked, "In fact I'd love you whatever you wore, or didn't wear!" he added with a sly grin, raising an eyebrow in a way which made her stomach flip. I love it when he does that, she thought to herself.
The evening passed in a daze for them all; Ron and Lavender couldn't stop kissing and groping all night, and Harry and Hermione were content to dance the night away in each other's arms. Malfoy watched them from a distance as he tried to persuade Pansy to 'take a walk' with him. He was determined to prove to everyone that the rumours weren't true; he'd kissed dozens of girls and gone further than that with a few of them. Eventually Pansy agreed, and followed him out of the hall. Half and hour later they returned, Pansy's robes crumpled, and Harry was sure he detected bits of leaves and twigs in her hair. Malfoy had a huge smirk on his face, much to Harry's disgust. The time ticked away, and as the clock stuck one, the students were asked to depart to their dormitories for lights out in an hour. Ron and Lavender had disappeared, and Harry pulled Hermione to one side.
"Do you want to take a walk before bed?" he asked warmly, taking her hands in his.
"I'd love to," was all Hermione said, as Harry led her out of the hall. They walked arm in arm for a while, until Hermione realised they were headed for the Gryffindor games locker.
"Why are we.?" she started to ask, but Harry put his finger to her lips. She shivered at his ouch, as he ran his finger down her neck and between her breasts.
"Trust me," was all he said as he went into the locker, leaving her waiting for him outside. He emerged after a few minutes carrying his most prized possession, his Firebolt.
"Harry, what.?" Hermione began to say, but Harry caught her up and lifter her onto the broomstick, and with a slight kick off the ground, they were soaring above the grounds, away from the school.
"Harry!" Hermione shrieked keeping her eyes shut tightly, "You know I hate to fly!"
"But you're with me," Harry called back, "I'll keep you safe," he whispered into her ear. She was sat in front of him, Harry's arms locked tight around her waist.
"Where are we going?" she asked. Once she'd opened her eyes she was amazed at the view they had from the sky. She could see for miles.
"You'll see," was all Harry said as they continued to climb higher through the clouds. The freshness of the air took her breath away as Harry manoeuvred the broomstick around floating candles. The candles hung suspended in mid-air, similar to that in the great hall at Hogwarts.
"Harry, how did you do all this?" Hermione asked amazed.
"A little magic," he grinned back at her. He pulled the broomstick to a halt as he helped Hermione off. Her feet touched a hard surface, and she realised they were at a Starcium, a small collection of starlet chalets, hidden away in the clouds beyond Muggle eyes. Hermione had read about them in books, but never did she think she'd actually get to see one.
"I knew you'd like it," Harry whispered to her as he led her through the doorway. A courtyard of stars and moons met them with delight, and Hermione felt her feet leaving the ground, as they were both pulled up to a window of one of the chalets. Inside was an elaborate array of cushions and pillows, making a bed on the floor. Harry pulled her through the window and into the room, where they settled on the plush, snug pillow covering. He drew her to him as he kissed her delicately on the lips, moving to nuzzle her neck and planting butterfly kisses along her collarbone. Hermione moaned with pleasure as Harry stopped to look her in the eyes.
"Don't worry," he whispered softly, "I'm not ready for that either," and as he said it, Hermione reached up to pull his face close to hers again, and for while they stayed like that, looking intensely into each other's eyes; reading each other's minds and memorizing details of the other. The last thing Harry remembered before falling asleep was the feel of Hermione's hands on his body, and the smell of her skin surrounding him. He couldn't imagine a place more heavenly than where he was with the person he would love forever.
"What's wrong Hermione?" Harry asked, sensing the trouble she was having trying to say whatever it was she wanted to say.
"It's not really anything that's wrong; more like something I want you to know," she replied quietly. Unpleasant thoughts raced through Harry's mind; what had she done?
"Over the summer." she began, "you know I went to visit Viktor, well while I was there something happened." She paused to view Harry's response; he wasn't saying anything, so she continued.
"While I was there.at Viktor's I mean.oh Harry!" she couldn't say anymore as she broke down in tears. What could possibly have happened, Harry was thinking. He put a comforting arm around her and tried to calm her tears.
"It was so horrible.and I couldn't." Hermione tried to tell Harry what had happened but the words just wouldn't come out.
"Hermione," Harry said carefully, "what happened?" Hermione looked up at the guy she was in love with and tried to say it again,
"He tried." she began, but she didn't need to go on, Harry realised what had happened and a surge of anger bolted through him, causing him to cling more tightly to Hermione.
"Shh, it's ok," he said rocking her gently, "It's ok, you never have to see him again; and if he does show his face." Harry didn't want to think what he'd do if he ever saw Krum again; Krum, the guy who'd been his Quidditch hero from the word go, was in fact just a sleaze who tried it on with anyone. Hermione's tears subsided and Harry bent down to kiss her lightly on the lips.
"You don't have to worry," Harry said gently, "It's me, and I love you." They sat that way until Hermione eventually fell asleep in his arms, with Harry's head resting on the top of hers. Harry now realised why Hermione had panicked that night in Hogsmeade when things had got a little heated under the covers; she was scared, and if Harry admitted it, so was he.
Harry woke Hermione early before people started getting up; he kissed her goodbye as she made her way back to her dorm, assuring her that he loved her more than anything. She returned the feelings and assured him of her own. Down at breakfast, the Yule Ball was all anyone was talking about.
"So Ron, when are you going to ask me?" Lavender pouted at him.
"I don't need to ask; we're going out aren't we?" Ron replied, his mouth full of food. Lavender turned away, sulking.
"Ok, Ok, Lavender, darling, will you do me the honour of going to this year's Yule Ball with me?" Ron asked, a little over dramatically. Lavender's sulk broke into a smile.
"Of course!" she replied, flinging her arms around him. "I have to decide how to wear my hair now," she said with glee, walking off to rejoin her group of giggling friends. She blew Ron a kiss as she headed out of the door. Ron smiled to himself; he didn't need to tell her the truth about Amy; he wanted to be with Lavender and that was all that mattered. "Hey, you two, over here!" Ron called to Harry and Hermione as they entered the hall. They joined him at the table, tucking into croissants and jam.
"Patched things up with Lavender yet?" Harry asked Ron.
"Yeah, it's all sorted, everything's sorted," Ron added with a look at Harry to make sure he knew what he meant.
"Great!" replied Harry enthusiastically. He just wanted everything back to normal, especially with the Ball being at the end of the week. Hermione said she'd bought new robes to wear this year, even though she'd had new ones last year; Harry remembered how amazing she'd looked last year; her hair all done up and everything, except this year he would be her partner, not that sleazy Krum. Hermione cheered up a bit by the end of breakfast, and as she headed off to the library Ron and Harry set up a game of wizard's chess, giving them time to talk about Ron and Lavender. Ron filled Harry in on what was happening, explaining that he didn't feel he needed to tell her the truth, since Amy hadn't really meant anything to him anyway; Harry agreed that it wasn't necessary to tell. He didn't tell Ron about Hermione, since she hadn't said he could; Harry got the feeling Hermione wanted to keep it between them, so he kept quiet about it. What he did want to talk about was a certain area of interest, where Ron happened to be more experienced in.
"Wow!" was all Harry could say after Ron had finished.
"Yeah, but to be honest, I wish I hadn't," Ron added after he'd gone through the horny details.
"Really? Why?" asked Harry, interested in what Ron had to say.
"I just wish it could have been with someone I, well, kinda loved," he said, going red in the face. The boys had lowered their voices so as not to be heard by any eavesdroppers, whose numbers seemed to have increased lately, owing to certain rumours lurking about the school.
"Yeah, I see what you mean," Harry said thoughtfully, "Like it is with me and Hermione?"
"Uh! I don't need details thanks, but yeah, like that." Ron replied with a sigh. "Lavender's really great and everything, it's just, I dunno, there's something missing."
"Maybe you're trying to hard," Harry suggested, "Just let it be, let it be," Harry added, beginning to sing the famous Beatle's lyrics. Ron pushed him playfully from across the table as they returned to their chess game.
The morning of the Ball arrived soon enough, and preparations for the Yule Ball were nearly complete. The house-elves were going all out with the catering, and Dumbledore had hired in a famous wizard band to play at the Ball- 'Muggleborn' was their name, and Draco Malfoy was one of those not pleased at all.
"Fancy getting mudbloods to play at our school Ball," he was saying to a group of Slytherin's, "My father will certainly have something to say about this," he added as he walked over to where Pansy Parkinson was stood with her gang of Slytherin girls. He'd already asked her to go with him, and he wanted to check she'd be ready early.
"We're getting there for 7:00 pm not 7:30 ok." he said to her, not expecting her to reply.
"No way!" she shrieked, "I need at least 3 and a half hours to get ready and my last class doesn't finish till 4, so you'll just have to wait for me!" and with that she stalked off to rejoin her friends. Malfoy just stood there and had to except it; he certainly wasn't going to walk in alone.
"Hermione, are you ready yet?" Harry called through the door. She'd been in there for almost 2 hours, and Harry couldn't imagine what would be taking so long.
"You can't come in!" she cried at him, "I'll be out in a minute." Harry had to except this and went back to wait in the common room. Ron and Lavender were already ready, and getting impatient. Harry had to say Lavender looked stunning; in deep blue robes with a gold trim, and Ron had managed to persuade his parents for new dress robes, which meant he now sported navy blue robes with silver edging; they looked great together Harry commented. It was nearly 7:30 and Hermione still hadn't ventured out. Harry was beginning to wonder if he'd recognise her, he hoped she wouldn't look too different; he loved her the way she was. Harry was just about to call again when he saw Lavender gasp. Harry turned to see Hermione entering the room. He couldn't believe how beautiful she looked; she looked almost the same as she always did, apart from her dress robes and a remarkable hair clip she'd placed delicately on the side of her head. She wore deep ruby, red robes with a gold trim, similar to that of Lavender's; she matched his own burgundy robes, which he wore last year; she must have remembered he thought, delighted. But it was the hair clip Harry was drawn to most. It had a remarkable sparkle to it, resembling that of a diamond, except it was red and gold. Her hair fell in bouncy curls about her shoulders; similar to how she usually wore it, except they weren't so frizzy!
"You look amazing," Harry whispered as he took her arm to lead her down to the hall.
"Thanks, so do you!" she replied, smiling that dazzling smile that Harry just couldn't resist.
"I was afraid I wouldn't recognise you!" Harry joked as they walked behind Ron and Lavender who couldn't seem to keep their hands off each other!
"I've realised I like the way I look, and I don't have to plaster my face in make-up to look attractive," Hermione said, glancing at Harry as she spoke.
"I love the way you look too," Harry remarked, "In fact I'd love you whatever you wore, or didn't wear!" he added with a sly grin, raising an eyebrow in a way which made her stomach flip. I love it when he does that, she thought to herself.
The evening passed in a daze for them all; Ron and Lavender couldn't stop kissing and groping all night, and Harry and Hermione were content to dance the night away in each other's arms. Malfoy watched them from a distance as he tried to persuade Pansy to 'take a walk' with him. He was determined to prove to everyone that the rumours weren't true; he'd kissed dozens of girls and gone further than that with a few of them. Eventually Pansy agreed, and followed him out of the hall. Half and hour later they returned, Pansy's robes crumpled, and Harry was sure he detected bits of leaves and twigs in her hair. Malfoy had a huge smirk on his face, much to Harry's disgust. The time ticked away, and as the clock stuck one, the students were asked to depart to their dormitories for lights out in an hour. Ron and Lavender had disappeared, and Harry pulled Hermione to one side.
"Do you want to take a walk before bed?" he asked warmly, taking her hands in his.
"I'd love to," was all Hermione said, as Harry led her out of the hall. They walked arm in arm for a while, until Hermione realised they were headed for the Gryffindor games locker.
"Why are we.?" she started to ask, but Harry put his finger to her lips. She shivered at his ouch, as he ran his finger down her neck and between her breasts.
"Trust me," was all he said as he went into the locker, leaving her waiting for him outside. He emerged after a few minutes carrying his most prized possession, his Firebolt.
"Harry, what.?" Hermione began to say, but Harry caught her up and lifter her onto the broomstick, and with a slight kick off the ground, they were soaring above the grounds, away from the school.
"Harry!" Hermione shrieked keeping her eyes shut tightly, "You know I hate to fly!"
"But you're with me," Harry called back, "I'll keep you safe," he whispered into her ear. She was sat in front of him, Harry's arms locked tight around her waist.
"Where are we going?" she asked. Once she'd opened her eyes she was amazed at the view they had from the sky. She could see for miles.
"You'll see," was all Harry said as they continued to climb higher through the clouds. The freshness of the air took her breath away as Harry manoeuvred the broomstick around floating candles. The candles hung suspended in mid-air, similar to that in the great hall at Hogwarts.
"Harry, how did you do all this?" Hermione asked amazed.
"A little magic," he grinned back at her. He pulled the broomstick to a halt as he helped Hermione off. Her feet touched a hard surface, and she realised they were at a Starcium, a small collection of starlet chalets, hidden away in the clouds beyond Muggle eyes. Hermione had read about them in books, but never did she think she'd actually get to see one.
"I knew you'd like it," Harry whispered to her as he led her through the doorway. A courtyard of stars and moons met them with delight, and Hermione felt her feet leaving the ground, as they were both pulled up to a window of one of the chalets. Inside was an elaborate array of cushions and pillows, making a bed on the floor. Harry pulled her through the window and into the room, where they settled on the plush, snug pillow covering. He drew her to him as he kissed her delicately on the lips, moving to nuzzle her neck and planting butterfly kisses along her collarbone. Hermione moaned with pleasure as Harry stopped to look her in the eyes.
"Don't worry," he whispered softly, "I'm not ready for that either," and as he said it, Hermione reached up to pull his face close to hers again, and for while they stayed like that, looking intensely into each other's eyes; reading each other's minds and memorizing details of the other. The last thing Harry remembered before falling asleep was the feel of Hermione's hands on his body, and the smell of her skin surrounding him. He couldn't imagine a place more heavenly than where he was with the person he would love forever.