Chapter 7 *Nightmarish Dreams*
"Did you get everything, Herm?" Ron asked from the doorway.
Hermione glanced around the small hospital room before turning to her friend. "Yeah, everything should be in the car," she smiled at him, noticing the way he had changed, also. His hair was not as bright, his freckles didn't stand out as much, his blue eyes seemed part of the sky. He had also gotten taller, his shoulders broader, and his body more muscular. Every girl in Hogwarts will be jealous of Lavender, Hermione thought with a smile.
"What are you looking at?" Ron asked with a sly smile.
Hermione laughed. "You've changed a lot, Ron."
"In a good way, I hope," he said, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Yes, in a good way. Every girl will be jealous of Lavender," she voiced her thoughts.
Ron blushed. "Aw, thanks, Herm. You know, you've changed, too. So has Harry," he replied, emphasizing Harry.
Hermione blushed slightly. "Yeah, I guess we have. But who hasn't?" she added, sadly. They had all changed in one way or another. But not all changes were good. Hermione was afraid of changes, after all, look what it did to Anthony.
Ron closed the distance between them and wrapped Hermione in a friendly hug. "Everything is going to be okay. Harry and I won't let anything happen to you, okay? You can't live your life being afraid, Herm."
Hermione nodded slowly, pushing back thankful tears. She knew exactly what he was talking about. "I know. But it still hurts. How can a person turn so cold so fast? I don't understand what I did to make him hate me,"sShe said this without embarrassment. Ron was one of her best friends, she told him everything.
"It's not you, Hermione. No one could ever hate you. Anthony just had issues, major ones if you ask me."
Hermione laughed, she knew he was right. Everyone had been right except for her. So much for being a know-it-all, she thought.
"Come on, lets go down. Everyone's probably waiting for us," Ron said, walking towards the door.
"Give me a few minutes, will you? I'll be down in a second."
"Okay then. Don't be too long or else the whole gang will come looking for you,." Ron said with a laugh. He was about to shut the door behind him when Hermione stopped him.
"Hey, Ron?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks," she said, feeling blessed to have a friend like him.
"Any time, Herm," he smiled warmly at her. With that he shut the door softly behind him, leaving Hermione to her thoughts.
She stared at the door for a second and then headed over to the large window in the far corner of the room. She peered out and the sight she saw brought a smile to her face. Ron was talking to her parents, about dentistry, it seemed, Lavender and Ginny were bothering Sirius, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasly were scolding Fred and George for some new prank they had come up with.
"Looking for me?" a deep, male voice asked from behind her.
Hermione twirled around, knowing who it belonged to. "Isn't someone conceited! Just because every girl in Hogwarts, minus two, of course, wants you, it doesn't mean you're allowed to get a big head," she cried, though she was smiling.
His green eyes sparkled. "Oh, come on, Hermione. You know you want me, too," Harry was just teasing but it made both of them blush, nonetheless.
Hermione laughed at his effort to flirt. "Nice try, Harry. But I think you still need some work."
Harry walked up to her, their faces only inches apart. "You really think so? I thought I had improved," he added, with a fake pout. He looked down at her, his heart beating fast. Why did she have to be so perfect?
Hermione's breathing came rapidly. He was so close! She could feel his warm breath on her face and she wanted him to kiss her with all her heart but as he leaned in closer, she backed away slightly. "We should head out. Everyone's probably waiting for us," she whispered this.
"Yeah," Harry said and backed up also. He was disappointed and glad at the same time. He had seen the look of want and fear in her brown eyes. Why is she afraid of me? he wondered, confused. But then he realized it wasn't him she was afraid of. She was still scared about what had happened with Anthony, he had made her lose trust in guys. Give her time, Harry. It's just too soon. She needs to recuperate, he advised himself.
Hermione made herself move away from Harry and walk towards the door. You're so stupid, Hermione! she scolded herself. He was right there and only a kiss away, why did you have to stop it? she asked herself, not being able to answer her own question. "Come on."
Harry walked beside her in silence, their hands touching slightly.
"Harry?"
"Yeah, 'Mione?"
"About that kiss the other day..." she trailed off not knowing what else to say.
Harry smiled at her. "Don't worry about it."
She breathed a sigh of relief, at least he wasn't upset about it. Hermione sighed again, feeling his closeness seep into her skin. Why did he have to be so perfect?
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"Are you sure you have everything?" Mrs. Granger asked, wringing her hands.
Harry had asked Hermione, Lavender, and Ron to stay over at his house for the last week of summer. They would be going to Diagon Alley the next day to buy their school supplies.
"Yes, Mum, I have everything. Don't worry! I'll be fine," Hermione assured her mother with a hug. Since Hermione had never been away from her parents (not including school) for a week, her mother was worried.
"Calm down, Lisa. She'll be perfectly safe with Harry," Mr. Granger told his wife, making Harry blush a deep crimson.
Hermione turned to give Harry a wide grin knowing he was getting embarrassed. "Bye Mum, Dad. I'll see you in a week, okay? I love you!" With a hug to both of her parents, she linked arms with Harry and Ron, and before her mother could protest, they had apparated.
"Sirius?" Harry called his Godfather, as they appeared in his large living room.
"Oh, hey you guys!" Sirius came out of the kitchen. He was smiling but his dark eyes seemed even darker with worry.
Harry gave Sirius a quizzical look but Sirius ignored him. "Harry, why don't you show Ron and Hermione to their rooms then we can go out to eat. You guys must be starved."
Harry nodded and picked up Hermione's trunk, while Ron carried his own. As they headed up the wide staircase, Harry's mind was still on his Godfather.
"When is Lavender coming?" Hermione asked Ron, pulling Harry out of his thoughts.
"She's not," Ron replied, rather sadly. "Her mum is making her stay for a family reunion."
"Hey, it's okay. You'll see her at Hogwarts. Then you guys can snog all you want! Besides, she is going to meet us at Diagon Alley, isn't she?" Harry said cheerfully, making Hermione laugh. A furiously blushing Ron, nodded.
"Shut-up! Just wait until you get a girlfriend!" Ron said, punching Harry in the arm.
The friends laughed as they neared the first room. "This is your room, Ron. That one right across is mine and Sirius' room is next to mine," Ron placed his trunk in the middle of the big room and walked on with Harry and Hermione down the hall.
"Here's your room. We figured you would want your privacy," he told Hermione with a smile.
"How well you know us girls," Hermione teased, stepping into the room. "This is lovely, Harry! This is bigger than my room at home," Hermione breathed.
Harry beamed, he loved the large Victorian house, with it's cushioned windows, large backyard, and secret passages. Compared to the Dursley's home, this was a mansion in his eyes.
"And the bathroom is just down the hall," he added, almost forgetting. "Lets go down and find Sirius. I'm starving!" Harry said, heading towards the stairs with Ron beside him.
"You guys go ahead. I want to freshen up a bit," Hermione said, getting eye rolls from the guys.
"Girls," she heard them mutter all the way down the stairs. Hermione smiled and walked over to the window that faced the backyard. She sat down on the red velvet cushion and stared out at the pretty backyard, her thoughts resting on Anthony. She knew why her parents wanted her away from the house, because they thought it was safer away. Hermione hadn't heard anything about Anthony. She didn't know if he was in the muggle jail or if he was at home; she didn't want to know.
"Hermione!" Ron's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Come on! We're leaving!" his monotone voice carried upstairs.
"I'm coming!" she called, running down the spiral staircase, almost losing her balance. Harry and Ron were waiting by the door looking very unpatient. "Where's Sirius? You tell me to get ready, yet you guys aren't even ready!" she cried, smirking at them.
"Sirius? Come on, lets go!" Harry cried but Sirius didn't reply. "I'm going to go get him," he said, disappearing into the kitchen.
"Are you sure it's safe?" Harry saw Sirius on the phone and was about to back away but what Sirius said next stopped him dead in his tracks.
"But I thought, You-Know-Who, was afraid of you, Professor. Why would he have placed the Dark Mark in the sky on Hogwart's grounds?"
Harry gasped, making Sirius twirl around, his eyes wide with shock at what he had just heard.
"Harry!" Sirius cried, quickly hanging up the phone.
"I-I'm sorry, Sirius! I wasn't eavesdropping, really. I just came to get you and ... " he trailed off, staring at Sirius as if he had grown another head. "Is is true?" he asked.
Sirius nodded his head sadly. "Yes, it's true."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I didn't want you and your freinds to worry. Listen Harry, you are still safe inside Hogwart's walls, but when you get to the school, do not venture outside, for anything. Do you understand?" Sirius warned him.
Harry just nodded mutely, too stunned to speak. He was about to turn and walk out of the room when Sirius called out his name.
"And Harry? Don't tell Hermione or Ron, okay? It's for their own good."
"But won't they know when we get to Hogwarts?" Harry asked, regaining his speech.
Sirius nodded, thoughtfully. "Yes, but until then, I don't want to worry them. I didn't want to worry you either, but you seem to get yourself involved," he added with a smile. "Now come on, before Ron accuses us of starving him to death."
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"HELP! GET AWAY FROM ME! SOMEBODY HELP!"
Harry jumped out of bed and ran into the hall, meeting Ron and Sirius. They looked at each other for a split second then tore down the hall towards Hermione's room.
Harry burst into the room, heart beating with fear. He hurried over to her bed and was relieved to see she was asleep. She was twising and turning, her arms flying wildly. "Hermione! Hermione, get up," Harry shook her gently, her arm narrowly missing his face.
Hermione sat up so suddenly she made Ron jump about a foot in the air. Tears were streaming down her face and she was shaking so violently that her teeth were chattering.
Harry gave a small nod to a concerned Sirius and a frightened Ron, who closed the door softly behind them.
"Harry ..." she whispered.
He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "Sshh. It's all right now. It was only a nightmare," he whispered, soothingly, rocking her back and forth.
Hermione buried her face into his chest, ignoring the fact that he was bare- chested, her body shaking with uncontrollable sobs. It might have been a nightmare but it had felt so real. The image of Anthony's cruel face and cold words filled her with terror every time she closed her eyes. "Why, Harry?" she asked in a voice full of fear. "How can someone be so cruel? So cold and heartless? Why did he hurt me this way?" a fresh wave of sobs escaped her trembling lips.
Harry stood up suddenly and pulled her to her feet. He took her hand, holding it firmly, and led her out of the room, down the spiraling staircase, and out to the backyard. He walked over to the hammock that was gently swinging between two thick trees. Harry sat down first, pulling Hermione close to his body when she had laid down also. He cupped her face in his hands and whispered, "You've held this in too long, 'Mione. It's time you talked about it; everything, no more sugar coating, okay?" wiping away the remaining of her tears.
Hermione nodded. "You're right," she whispered back. She leaned against Harry and listened to his heartbeat for a moment before taking a deep breath and beginning.
She told him everything: The first time he had threatened her, the 'sex' threats, the beginning of summer when all the abuse began, the way she had to cook for him morning, afternoon, and night. "The first time that happened had been the night of your birthday. He had come over so I could fix him dinner ("Dinner! You should have let the bastard starve to death!"). He started to kiss my neck ("No, Harry, I did not enjoy it. He kisses like a dog, literally.") and I told him to stop. He, of course, didn't listen and told me he was sick of waiting for me. He dragged me all the way upstairs and onto my bed and that's when, you know ..." she trailed off, breathless and ashamed.
Harry's arms had tightened around her body and she could hear his angry breathing. "The night you came home from the party, he was ... he was going to do it again, wasn't he?" Harry asked, the vein on his neck threatening to pop.
Hermione nodded, quietly. She turned to face him, eyes shimmering with tears. "Harry, please. Don't do anything stupid," she told him again. "I know your mad, and I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I was scared. I didn't want you to get hurt."
Harry looked down at her, his own magnificent green eyes, misted with tears. "Oh, 'Mione ...." he said, quietly. "I'm so sorry. No one should have to go through all that, especially you," he lowered his head until their foreheads were touching. "I promise you, 'Mione, no one will hurt you again. I'll make sure nothing happens to you," he said, fiercely.
Hermione gave a small laugh. "Harry, always the Hero and Protector," she said, gazing into his eyes.
Harry gave her a heart-melting smile. "I guess you could say that," he agreed, teasingly.
Hermione punched him on the arm playfully and leaned back down into his warm chest, "I'm glad I have you, Harry," she whispered, closing her eyes. A warm summer night breeze flew past them, sending the smell of beautiful flowers to their noses. Hermione sighed contently, snuggling closer as was possible to Harry, who in turn stroked her hair.
This is how it should be, Hermione thought, closing her eyes and letting everything lull her to sleep.
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A/N: YEAH!! I'm FINALLY done! I am SO sorry that it took me SO long to update! I had so much hw and tests to makeup, help my brother and cousins with their hw, friend problems, AND on top of all that, I had HORRIBLE writer's block. So you could imagine how many times I re-wrote this chapter ... it still doesn't seem good enough. Okay, on to the reviewers. I am so happy at the reviews I got! Not only did I get 5, but much more!
Thanks so much you guys! I REALLY appreciate it! And if any of you have a fanfic story, tell me, I'd love to read it. I love reading HP fanfics just as much as writing one! Again, I'm really sorry for the long delay, I promise I'll try not to take so long, next time!
+ AnGeLeYeS / SweetHeart +
"Did you get everything, Herm?" Ron asked from the doorway.
Hermione glanced around the small hospital room before turning to her friend. "Yeah, everything should be in the car," she smiled at him, noticing the way he had changed, also. His hair was not as bright, his freckles didn't stand out as much, his blue eyes seemed part of the sky. He had also gotten taller, his shoulders broader, and his body more muscular. Every girl in Hogwarts will be jealous of Lavender, Hermione thought with a smile.
"What are you looking at?" Ron asked with a sly smile.
Hermione laughed. "You've changed a lot, Ron."
"In a good way, I hope," he said, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Yes, in a good way. Every girl will be jealous of Lavender," she voiced her thoughts.
Ron blushed. "Aw, thanks, Herm. You know, you've changed, too. So has Harry," he replied, emphasizing Harry.
Hermione blushed slightly. "Yeah, I guess we have. But who hasn't?" she added, sadly. They had all changed in one way or another. But not all changes were good. Hermione was afraid of changes, after all, look what it did to Anthony.
Ron closed the distance between them and wrapped Hermione in a friendly hug. "Everything is going to be okay. Harry and I won't let anything happen to you, okay? You can't live your life being afraid, Herm."
Hermione nodded slowly, pushing back thankful tears. She knew exactly what he was talking about. "I know. But it still hurts. How can a person turn so cold so fast? I don't understand what I did to make him hate me,"sShe said this without embarrassment. Ron was one of her best friends, she told him everything.
"It's not you, Hermione. No one could ever hate you. Anthony just had issues, major ones if you ask me."
Hermione laughed, she knew he was right. Everyone had been right except for her. So much for being a know-it-all, she thought.
"Come on, lets go down. Everyone's probably waiting for us," Ron said, walking towards the door.
"Give me a few minutes, will you? I'll be down in a second."
"Okay then. Don't be too long or else the whole gang will come looking for you,." Ron said with a laugh. He was about to shut the door behind him when Hermione stopped him.
"Hey, Ron?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks," she said, feeling blessed to have a friend like him.
"Any time, Herm," he smiled warmly at her. With that he shut the door softly behind him, leaving Hermione to her thoughts.
She stared at the door for a second and then headed over to the large window in the far corner of the room. She peered out and the sight she saw brought a smile to her face. Ron was talking to her parents, about dentistry, it seemed, Lavender and Ginny were bothering Sirius, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasly were scolding Fred and George for some new prank they had come up with.
"Looking for me?" a deep, male voice asked from behind her.
Hermione twirled around, knowing who it belonged to. "Isn't someone conceited! Just because every girl in Hogwarts, minus two, of course, wants you, it doesn't mean you're allowed to get a big head," she cried, though she was smiling.
His green eyes sparkled. "Oh, come on, Hermione. You know you want me, too," Harry was just teasing but it made both of them blush, nonetheless.
Hermione laughed at his effort to flirt. "Nice try, Harry. But I think you still need some work."
Harry walked up to her, their faces only inches apart. "You really think so? I thought I had improved," he added, with a fake pout. He looked down at her, his heart beating fast. Why did she have to be so perfect?
Hermione's breathing came rapidly. He was so close! She could feel his warm breath on her face and she wanted him to kiss her with all her heart but as he leaned in closer, she backed away slightly. "We should head out. Everyone's probably waiting for us," she whispered this.
"Yeah," Harry said and backed up also. He was disappointed and glad at the same time. He had seen the look of want and fear in her brown eyes. Why is she afraid of me? he wondered, confused. But then he realized it wasn't him she was afraid of. She was still scared about what had happened with Anthony, he had made her lose trust in guys. Give her time, Harry. It's just too soon. She needs to recuperate, he advised himself.
Hermione made herself move away from Harry and walk towards the door. You're so stupid, Hermione! she scolded herself. He was right there and only a kiss away, why did you have to stop it? she asked herself, not being able to answer her own question. "Come on."
Harry walked beside her in silence, their hands touching slightly.
"Harry?"
"Yeah, 'Mione?"
"About that kiss the other day..." she trailed off not knowing what else to say.
Harry smiled at her. "Don't worry about it."
She breathed a sigh of relief, at least he wasn't upset about it. Hermione sighed again, feeling his closeness seep into her skin. Why did he have to be so perfect?
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"Are you sure you have everything?" Mrs. Granger asked, wringing her hands.
Harry had asked Hermione, Lavender, and Ron to stay over at his house for the last week of summer. They would be going to Diagon Alley the next day to buy their school supplies.
"Yes, Mum, I have everything. Don't worry! I'll be fine," Hermione assured her mother with a hug. Since Hermione had never been away from her parents (not including school) for a week, her mother was worried.
"Calm down, Lisa. She'll be perfectly safe with Harry," Mr. Granger told his wife, making Harry blush a deep crimson.
Hermione turned to give Harry a wide grin knowing he was getting embarrassed. "Bye Mum, Dad. I'll see you in a week, okay? I love you!" With a hug to both of her parents, she linked arms with Harry and Ron, and before her mother could protest, they had apparated.
"Sirius?" Harry called his Godfather, as they appeared in his large living room.
"Oh, hey you guys!" Sirius came out of the kitchen. He was smiling but his dark eyes seemed even darker with worry.
Harry gave Sirius a quizzical look but Sirius ignored him. "Harry, why don't you show Ron and Hermione to their rooms then we can go out to eat. You guys must be starved."
Harry nodded and picked up Hermione's trunk, while Ron carried his own. As they headed up the wide staircase, Harry's mind was still on his Godfather.
"When is Lavender coming?" Hermione asked Ron, pulling Harry out of his thoughts.
"She's not," Ron replied, rather sadly. "Her mum is making her stay for a family reunion."
"Hey, it's okay. You'll see her at Hogwarts. Then you guys can snog all you want! Besides, she is going to meet us at Diagon Alley, isn't she?" Harry said cheerfully, making Hermione laugh. A furiously blushing Ron, nodded.
"Shut-up! Just wait until you get a girlfriend!" Ron said, punching Harry in the arm.
The friends laughed as they neared the first room. "This is your room, Ron. That one right across is mine and Sirius' room is next to mine," Ron placed his trunk in the middle of the big room and walked on with Harry and Hermione down the hall.
"Here's your room. We figured you would want your privacy," he told Hermione with a smile.
"How well you know us girls," Hermione teased, stepping into the room. "This is lovely, Harry! This is bigger than my room at home," Hermione breathed.
Harry beamed, he loved the large Victorian house, with it's cushioned windows, large backyard, and secret passages. Compared to the Dursley's home, this was a mansion in his eyes.
"And the bathroom is just down the hall," he added, almost forgetting. "Lets go down and find Sirius. I'm starving!" Harry said, heading towards the stairs with Ron beside him.
"You guys go ahead. I want to freshen up a bit," Hermione said, getting eye rolls from the guys.
"Girls," she heard them mutter all the way down the stairs. Hermione smiled and walked over to the window that faced the backyard. She sat down on the red velvet cushion and stared out at the pretty backyard, her thoughts resting on Anthony. She knew why her parents wanted her away from the house, because they thought it was safer away. Hermione hadn't heard anything about Anthony. She didn't know if he was in the muggle jail or if he was at home; she didn't want to know.
"Hermione!" Ron's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Come on! We're leaving!" his monotone voice carried upstairs.
"I'm coming!" she called, running down the spiral staircase, almost losing her balance. Harry and Ron were waiting by the door looking very unpatient. "Where's Sirius? You tell me to get ready, yet you guys aren't even ready!" she cried, smirking at them.
"Sirius? Come on, lets go!" Harry cried but Sirius didn't reply. "I'm going to go get him," he said, disappearing into the kitchen.
"Are you sure it's safe?" Harry saw Sirius on the phone and was about to back away but what Sirius said next stopped him dead in his tracks.
"But I thought, You-Know-Who, was afraid of you, Professor. Why would he have placed the Dark Mark in the sky on Hogwart's grounds?"
Harry gasped, making Sirius twirl around, his eyes wide with shock at what he had just heard.
"Harry!" Sirius cried, quickly hanging up the phone.
"I-I'm sorry, Sirius! I wasn't eavesdropping, really. I just came to get you and ... " he trailed off, staring at Sirius as if he had grown another head. "Is is true?" he asked.
Sirius nodded his head sadly. "Yes, it's true."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I didn't want you and your freinds to worry. Listen Harry, you are still safe inside Hogwart's walls, but when you get to the school, do not venture outside, for anything. Do you understand?" Sirius warned him.
Harry just nodded mutely, too stunned to speak. He was about to turn and walk out of the room when Sirius called out his name.
"And Harry? Don't tell Hermione or Ron, okay? It's for their own good."
"But won't they know when we get to Hogwarts?" Harry asked, regaining his speech.
Sirius nodded, thoughtfully. "Yes, but until then, I don't want to worry them. I didn't want to worry you either, but you seem to get yourself involved," he added with a smile. "Now come on, before Ron accuses us of starving him to death."
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"HELP! GET AWAY FROM ME! SOMEBODY HELP!"
Harry jumped out of bed and ran into the hall, meeting Ron and Sirius. They looked at each other for a split second then tore down the hall towards Hermione's room.
Harry burst into the room, heart beating with fear. He hurried over to her bed and was relieved to see she was asleep. She was twising and turning, her arms flying wildly. "Hermione! Hermione, get up," Harry shook her gently, her arm narrowly missing his face.
Hermione sat up so suddenly she made Ron jump about a foot in the air. Tears were streaming down her face and she was shaking so violently that her teeth were chattering.
Harry gave a small nod to a concerned Sirius and a frightened Ron, who closed the door softly behind them.
"Harry ..." she whispered.
He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "Sshh. It's all right now. It was only a nightmare," he whispered, soothingly, rocking her back and forth.
Hermione buried her face into his chest, ignoring the fact that he was bare- chested, her body shaking with uncontrollable sobs. It might have been a nightmare but it had felt so real. The image of Anthony's cruel face and cold words filled her with terror every time she closed her eyes. "Why, Harry?" she asked in a voice full of fear. "How can someone be so cruel? So cold and heartless? Why did he hurt me this way?" a fresh wave of sobs escaped her trembling lips.
Harry stood up suddenly and pulled her to her feet. He took her hand, holding it firmly, and led her out of the room, down the spiraling staircase, and out to the backyard. He walked over to the hammock that was gently swinging between two thick trees. Harry sat down first, pulling Hermione close to his body when she had laid down also. He cupped her face in his hands and whispered, "You've held this in too long, 'Mione. It's time you talked about it; everything, no more sugar coating, okay?" wiping away the remaining of her tears.
Hermione nodded. "You're right," she whispered back. She leaned against Harry and listened to his heartbeat for a moment before taking a deep breath and beginning.
She told him everything: The first time he had threatened her, the 'sex' threats, the beginning of summer when all the abuse began, the way she had to cook for him morning, afternoon, and night. "The first time that happened had been the night of your birthday. He had come over so I could fix him dinner ("Dinner! You should have let the bastard starve to death!"). He started to kiss my neck ("No, Harry, I did not enjoy it. He kisses like a dog, literally.") and I told him to stop. He, of course, didn't listen and told me he was sick of waiting for me. He dragged me all the way upstairs and onto my bed and that's when, you know ..." she trailed off, breathless and ashamed.
Harry's arms had tightened around her body and she could hear his angry breathing. "The night you came home from the party, he was ... he was going to do it again, wasn't he?" Harry asked, the vein on his neck threatening to pop.
Hermione nodded, quietly. She turned to face him, eyes shimmering with tears. "Harry, please. Don't do anything stupid," she told him again. "I know your mad, and I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I was scared. I didn't want you to get hurt."
Harry looked down at her, his own magnificent green eyes, misted with tears. "Oh, 'Mione ...." he said, quietly. "I'm so sorry. No one should have to go through all that, especially you," he lowered his head until their foreheads were touching. "I promise you, 'Mione, no one will hurt you again. I'll make sure nothing happens to you," he said, fiercely.
Hermione gave a small laugh. "Harry, always the Hero and Protector," she said, gazing into his eyes.
Harry gave her a heart-melting smile. "I guess you could say that," he agreed, teasingly.
Hermione punched him on the arm playfully and leaned back down into his warm chest, "I'm glad I have you, Harry," she whispered, closing her eyes. A warm summer night breeze flew past them, sending the smell of beautiful flowers to their noses. Hermione sighed contently, snuggling closer as was possible to Harry, who in turn stroked her hair.
This is how it should be, Hermione thought, closing her eyes and letting everything lull her to sleep.
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A/N: YEAH!! I'm FINALLY done! I am SO sorry that it took me SO long to update! I had so much hw and tests to makeup, help my brother and cousins with their hw, friend problems, AND on top of all that, I had HORRIBLE writer's block. So you could imagine how many times I re-wrote this chapter ... it still doesn't seem good enough. Okay, on to the reviewers. I am so happy at the reviews I got! Not only did I get 5, but much more!
Thanks so much you guys! I REALLY appreciate it! And if any of you have a fanfic story, tell me, I'd love to read it. I love reading HP fanfics just as much as writing one! Again, I'm really sorry for the long delay, I promise I'll try not to take so long, next time!
+ AnGeLeYeS / SweetHeart +