Chapter 12 *Confessions*
"The Avada Kedavra curse is a killing curse that ...."
Hermione sighed and tuned out the DADA professor, already knowing everything there was to know about the Avada Kedavra curse. They had learned this curse in their first year but Dumbledore felt it necessary to refresh their memories since Voldemort had made himself known.
The world was in a state of alarm and awareness ever since Voldemort had killed four wizards and witches, and two muggles in Australia and America. Everyone was waiting for his next attack.
Hermione's thoughts drifted to Harry and she sighed, remembering that one night he had thought she was asleep and had revealed his feelings for her. If only she could tell him that she felt the same way.
She also wished she could tell him about Anthony. Ever since he had warned her, she had seen him keeping a close watch on her. Just the other day he had caught her alone, walking to her arithmancy class. Anthony had backed her into a corner, grabbing her wrists and threatening her all over again. Hermione glanced down at her wrists and frowned. They were black and blue; a bruise left over from Anthony's violent grip. She had kept this from all her friends, glad no one had suspected anything.
"Miss Granger! If you would gladly pull your thoughts away from yourself for a moment and pay attention! I know you think you don't need to know this because you are so much smarter than the rest of us, but could you hide your vainness until you are alone?" Professor Snape (who had finally succeeded in getting the Dark Arts position he had so craved for since before the amazing trio had arrived at Hogwarts) cut into her thoughts with his cold voice, sending tears to gather at Hermione's eyes.
It was no unknown fact that Hermione was the smartest witch in all of Hogwarts but she had never used that against anyone. For Snape to use that against her made her angry.
Hermione looked up at her oily haired professor and stood up abruptly, causing her chair to fall down with a loud bang. She didn't bother to reply back, instead she turned on her heel and ran out of the room, much to the surprise of the other students.
Harry watched as Hermione ran out of the room and with a slight nod from Ron, he ran after her, ignoring Snape ("Ten points from Gryffindor!").
"Well, we know those two won't get very far in my class," he snorted, staring Ron in the eye, daring him to protest. "Would you like to join them, Mr. Weasley?" he added, shooting him an evil grin. Ron was about to protest when he felt Lavender's hand on his arm. Instead he shut his mouth tightly and curled his hands into fists at his side.
Disappointed that Ron wasn't going to cause Gryffindor any more lost points he went on with the lesson as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
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"Canoodles!" Harry cried, breathlessly as he skidded to a halt in front of the portrait of the fat lady.
"Aren't you supposed to be in class, young man?" she asked.
"Let me in!" he responded, ignoring the fat lady's glare.
"Children these days. They are all so rude and disrespectful ..." he heard her mutter as he entered the Head Student's Common Room.
"Hermione?" he called, checking her room and not finding her in there. When there was no answer he looked inside his room, just to make sure.
Hermione was lying on his bed, staring out the window, her eyes red and blotchy.
"Hermione ..." he said softly, trying to get her attention.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice cracking.
Harry walked over to her, sitting next to her, and taking her hands in his. "For what, 'Mione? There's nothing to be sorry about."
Hermione wouldn't look at look at him. "For ruining everything," she replied, ignoring the confused look on Harry's face.
" 'Mione, Honey, you didn't ruin anything. Everyone knows that Snape is just jealous because you're the smartest person in school and you're not in Slytherin."
Hermione shook her head sadly, stood up, and went over to the window. She made little shapes out of the thin mist on the window. Snowflakes fell from the sky making Hermione wish she were outside. She heard Harry come up behind her and she turned around to look at him. Tears blurred her vision and she raised a hand to swipe at them.
Harry was about to comfort her when he saw something on her arm that made him frown. He grabbed on to her arm before the sleeve of her robe could cover the bruise. "Who did this?" Harry asked, angrily.
"W-who d-did w-what?" she asked, knowing perfectly well what he meant. Harry's green eyes were dark with anger, she was almost afraid of him.
"Who gave you this bruise?" he asked. "Answer me, Hermione!" he shouted, when she wouldn't answer.
Hermione shut her eyes and turned her head away from him. Harry wouldn't hit me, he's my friend, she thought, terrified.
"Hermione?" he asked, shocked. She had her eyes closed, tears were streaming from the corners. The arm he wasn't holding on to was curled into a fist by her side. She was shaking her head from side to side and murmuring, "Don't hit me, please don't hit."
Harry reached out a hand to touch her cheek but Hermione shrank away from his touch; tears gathered in his eyes. "Oh, baby, I'm not going to hit you," Harry whispered, pulling her closer and sliding his arms around her. "I would never hurt you," he said.
Hermione relaxed and buried her head between his neck and shoulder. "I know. I just ... I just thought of Anthony ..." she tried to explain how Harry's face had dissolved into Anthony's, that she had seen Anthony's cold blue eyes and not Harry's warm green ones.
"I'm sorry, 'Mione. I shouldn't have gotten so upset," Harry said, stroking her hair. "Anthony gave you that bruise, didn't he?" he asked after a few minutes. "He gave you that scar, also, didn't he? Why didn't I see it earlier?" he asked more to himself than to Hermione.
Hermione slowly pushed away and looked up at him. "We're missing class," she whispered.
Harry smiled at her, glad she was back to normal. "I know. Do you want to go back? Or you could stay here if you want ..."
"Could you stay with me?" she asked, smiling back.
"Of course."
He led her to their common room and they sat on one of the plush velvet couches, near the blazing fire.
Neither of them spoke, they were each preoccupied with their own thoughts.
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"That was quite a show you made in Snape's class. I wish I were brave enough to run out of there. Then Ron could run after me and we would snog in the empty common room," Lavender said.
The two friends were coming from the library after researching for a potion for their potions class (now free of Snape). Harry was teaching a new member some of the Quidditch moves for the next game against Hufflepuff, while Ron was with Ginny in the Gryffindor Common Room. Hermione wondered when Ginny was going to tell her brother that she was seeing Draco.
Lavender's comment made Hermione laugh. "We didn't snog. We talked the whole time."
Lavender gave her a Right-Like-I-Actually-Believe-That look which made Hermione laugh harder.
As they neared the common room they heard yelling from inside. "Uh oh.." Lavender breathed, recognizing her boyfriend's deep voice. They hurriedly said the password and ran into the room.
Ron and Ginny were in the middle of the room, their faces red. "I can't believe you, Ginny! How could you do something like this!" Ron was saying. Everyone's eyes were fixated on the two siblings.
"Calm down, Ron.," Ginny said. Evidently, she had prepared for this type of reaction.
"Calm down? Calm down!" he cried. Ron suddenly turned to Hermione and Lavender, his eyes blazing and his face was as red as his hair. "Guess what you guys. My sister is shagging the most horrendous person on the face of the earth," Ginny turned a bright red, the color clashed with her hair.
"He's changed, Ron," Hermione answered, catching Ginny's eye, a grateful expression on her face.
"What? You knew and you didn't tell me!" Ron turned to Hermione, his anger fixed on her.
"By accident. Besides, they're in love," Hermione said. Ron and Lavender both looked at her as if she were insane.
"Don't you dare tell me about love, Hermione! You don't know the first thing about love! You push away the one person who loves you more than life itself and stay with the person who treats you like trash!" Ron shouted, making everyone gasp at his comment.
Hermione stumbled backwards as if he had slapped her. "That's not fair, Ron," she said, quietly, tears crowding her eyes. Don't cry! You can't cry, Hermione! she told herself.
"Oh, it isn't, is it? You actually believed Anthony loved you even though he beat you to a pulp every day! You might be smart in school but you don't know shit about love!"
Hermione turned on her heel and ran out of the room, for the second time that day. She ran down the halls, tears streaming down her cheeks, not caring how many rules she was breaking. She needed to get away from everything and everyone.
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"Hey guys. What's up?" Harry asked, the smile fading as he saw the looks on everyone's faces. "What's wrong?" he asked, sitting across from Ron and Lavender.
When Ron didn't answer, Lavender replied, "Ron and Ginny had a fight a while ago. Ginny has been seeing Draco since the end of last year," she stopped here, waiting for her words to sink in. "Hermione and I came in while they were arguing and apparently Hermione knew about them. She defended them! So Ron said something ... well ... she ran out of here crying," Lavender finished.
Harry turned to Ron. "What did you say to her?" he asked, quietly. "I know it might be a shock for you to find out that Ginny is with Draco, but she's a big girl, she can take care of herself. I think Draco really has changed, I mean he hasn't said anything to us and it's almost Christmas!" Harry added.
Ron looked up, his blue eyes glistening. "I know, but it's hard to believe that my sister is dating a Malfoy," Ron looked away. "I basically told her that she was stupid for believing that Anthony had actually loved her," he confessed, softly.
Harry jumped up, his eyes wide. "What! You know she hates herself for that! Yet you go and rub it in her face?"
Ron jumped up also. "I know! But I was angry and you know it's true! She pushes you away yet stays with the one who beats her up!"
"Hermione doesn't push me away! What are you talking about?" Harry cried.
"Oh please, Harry! Don't deny that you love her! Everyone knows!"
"No, I-I ... how did you find out?" Harry asked, lowering his voice a few notches.
"You and Hermione wear your hearts on your sleeves, Harry. I see you look at her when you think no one is watching. When are you going to tell her? What are you waiting for?" Ron asked, lowering his voice also.
"Where did she go?" he asked, ignoring Ron's question.
Lavender and Ron shook their heads. "We don't know. Harry, tell her I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said," Ron told him, guilt flooding his conscious.
Harry nodded and walked out of the common room, hurrying down corridors, making up his mind to tell her once and for all.
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Hermione leaned against a tree next to the lake, looking up at the Dark Mark that stood out amidst the blackness. She knew she shouldn't be outside alone and especially at night, but she didn't care.
She looked away from the sky and turned to gaze out across the frozen lake. She wrapped her arms around herself, wishing she had grabbed a coat, and let her thoughts envelope her. Tears streamed down her face as everything came rushing back.
" 'Mione!" Hermione twirled around at the sound of the familiar voice and saw Harry jogging towards her; her coat in one hand. "You're going to freeze!"
Hermione took her coat and slipped it on. "Thanks," she murmured glancing up at him.
He was standing across from her, arms spread open, waiting for her to slip into them. Hermione smiled and slid her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. Harry didn't ask what had happened between her and Ron, he didn't tell her that it was wrong to come outside alone, he didn't say anything and for that she was grateful. "He was right, you know," she whispered after a few minutes silence.
Harry shook his head. "No, he wasn't. Ron was angry, he didn't mean the things he said."
"He is right. I was stupid to think Anthony loved me when the one person who did love me was right under my nose," she said, quietly.
Harry didn't catch the meaning behind her words. "No, don't worry, he WILL NOT hurt you again. It's all over with," he stroked her hair, absently, both of them quiet.
"Harry?"
"Yeah, 'Mione?"
Hermione looked up at him, wanting to see his reaction. "You have my heart. too."
Harry's face went from confusion, to embarrassment, and then to happiness. he looked down at her, eyes wide. "Really?"
Hermione smiled. "Really," she whispered.
Harry broke out into an ear to ear grin. They leaned closer until their lips met in an explosive kiss. A rush of happiness passed through both of them. All the passion that they had held in for so long was finally let out.
They finally pulled apart due to lack of oxygen. Harry gently leaned his forehead against hers, staring into her eyes.
"I love you, 'Mione. I always have," he whispered.
"I love you, too, Harry. I always will," she whispered back.
Harry suddenly laughed. "Everyone knew we were in love. They were all waiting for us to tell each other!"
"Hm, I guess we were the last to find out," Hermione said, smiling.
"I'm glad we found out this way, though," Harry said, leaning in for another kiss.
"Me too," Hermione mumbled against his lips, running her hand through his hair. She was no longer cold, in fact, she felt as if her whole body was on fire. "Harry?"
"Hmm?"
"Never wait so long again."
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Professor McGonagall stood there for a moment watching her two students.
Harry and Hermione were smiling at each other, their arms around one another. They seemed oblivious to the cold and the snow that swirled around them.
The old witch smiled to herself, glad that they had found happiness in each other, finally. After a few more moments she walked up to them, going back to her normal stern self. "Mr. Potter and Miss Granger, don't you know it's against school rules to be outside unaccompanied and at such an hour?"
The couple jumped. "Sorry, Professor. We won't do it again," Hermione answered.
McGonagall gave them a slight nod. "I have come to tell you that Professor Dumbledore wants to speak with the two of you. Mr. Weasley is already in the headmaster's office. Follow me, before you catch your deaths of cold."
Harry and Hermione followed their professor hand in hand. When they finally reached Dumbledore's office, they found more people than they had expected.
"Sirius! Hagrid! What are you two doing here?" Harry cried, hugging his Godfather and the Hogwart's gamekeeper, Hermione doing the same.
"Hello, you two," Sirius said, with a smile. Noticing a change in them.
"Hullo, 'Arry, 'Ermione. How er yeh?" Hagrid asked, giving them big hugs. "How 'ave yeh been 'Ermione? 'Er yeh doin' alright?" he asked, seriously.
"I'm fine, Hagrid," she smiled up at the giant.
"Hey, Hermione ..." she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see Ron, looking very apologetic. "I'm really sorry about before. I didn't mean any of it ..."
"It's okay, Ron. I understand," Hermione said, hugging him. Ron smiled widely at her, glad everything was back to normal.
All of them jumped when Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Now that everyone is here, I would like to get on with business."
Everyone quieted and turned their attention to the headmaster.
"As you know, Voldemort (here Ron and Hagrid winced at the name) has began attacking. Not only wizards and witches but Muggles also ..."
"Are you okay?" Harry asked as he watched Hermione bite her bottom lip. She looked at him with worried eyes and shook her head.
"Um, Professor Dumbledore?" Hermione interrupted quietly.
"Yes, Miss Granger?" he said, kindly.
"I have a confession to make," with that she told them about Anthony, all the threats, and all of Voldemort's plans that Anthony had told her. "I'm so sorry I didn't say anything before, but I was scared .." tears formed in her eyes and she had to look away. She looked up, however, when she felt Harry's hand squeeze her right one and Ron's squeeze her left one.
"I see. Well, I'm glad you told us, Miss Granger," Dumbledore said, smiling warmly at her. "Sirius, Hagrid, are you ready to go?"
"Go where?" Harry asked, looking worried.
'Hagrid and I are going to go track Voldemort down and try to stop him from gathering more followers. And if we are able, we are going to try and stop his next attacks, or at least stall him for a few days," Sirius explained.
"No! You can't do that! It's too dangerous!" Harry cried, his eyes wide with shock.
"I know, but it's the only way. Besides, I'll be back before you know it and then we can spend our first Christmas together," Sirius smiled, wrapping an arm around Harry's shoulder.
Harry nodded but he was still very afraid for his Godfather and his friend. Hermione squeezed his hand for comfort, bringing a smile to his face. Sirius will be all right. He's a strong wizard, if he could live through Azkaban he can live through this, Harry thought, turning his attention back to the ancient wizard who was very determined to win this time.
A.N: Hi!! Well, another chapter done! I hope you all enjoyed it and I hope it was long enough, it sure seemed so. I wasn't going to have Hagrid but I changed my mind. He might be in later chapters but don't expect too much of him. Now on to my reviewers ... to MoJo: you really need to calm down before you give yourself a heart attack! No one forced you to read this (and you read through ALL 11 chapters, by the way) story. You know, you should really use this as your motto: "If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all." Anyway, thanks for the review! And to the rest of my reviewers, thank you SO much! You guys are the best!!!!
Until next chapter,
^*^ Sweetie ^*^
"The Avada Kedavra curse is a killing curse that ...."
Hermione sighed and tuned out the DADA professor, already knowing everything there was to know about the Avada Kedavra curse. They had learned this curse in their first year but Dumbledore felt it necessary to refresh their memories since Voldemort had made himself known.
The world was in a state of alarm and awareness ever since Voldemort had killed four wizards and witches, and two muggles in Australia and America. Everyone was waiting for his next attack.
Hermione's thoughts drifted to Harry and she sighed, remembering that one night he had thought she was asleep and had revealed his feelings for her. If only she could tell him that she felt the same way.
She also wished she could tell him about Anthony. Ever since he had warned her, she had seen him keeping a close watch on her. Just the other day he had caught her alone, walking to her arithmancy class. Anthony had backed her into a corner, grabbing her wrists and threatening her all over again. Hermione glanced down at her wrists and frowned. They were black and blue; a bruise left over from Anthony's violent grip. She had kept this from all her friends, glad no one had suspected anything.
"Miss Granger! If you would gladly pull your thoughts away from yourself for a moment and pay attention! I know you think you don't need to know this because you are so much smarter than the rest of us, but could you hide your vainness until you are alone?" Professor Snape (who had finally succeeded in getting the Dark Arts position he had so craved for since before the amazing trio had arrived at Hogwarts) cut into her thoughts with his cold voice, sending tears to gather at Hermione's eyes.
It was no unknown fact that Hermione was the smartest witch in all of Hogwarts but she had never used that against anyone. For Snape to use that against her made her angry.
Hermione looked up at her oily haired professor and stood up abruptly, causing her chair to fall down with a loud bang. She didn't bother to reply back, instead she turned on her heel and ran out of the room, much to the surprise of the other students.
Harry watched as Hermione ran out of the room and with a slight nod from Ron, he ran after her, ignoring Snape ("Ten points from Gryffindor!").
"Well, we know those two won't get very far in my class," he snorted, staring Ron in the eye, daring him to protest. "Would you like to join them, Mr. Weasley?" he added, shooting him an evil grin. Ron was about to protest when he felt Lavender's hand on his arm. Instead he shut his mouth tightly and curled his hands into fists at his side.
Disappointed that Ron wasn't going to cause Gryffindor any more lost points he went on with the lesson as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
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"Canoodles!" Harry cried, breathlessly as he skidded to a halt in front of the portrait of the fat lady.
"Aren't you supposed to be in class, young man?" she asked.
"Let me in!" he responded, ignoring the fat lady's glare.
"Children these days. They are all so rude and disrespectful ..." he heard her mutter as he entered the Head Student's Common Room.
"Hermione?" he called, checking her room and not finding her in there. When there was no answer he looked inside his room, just to make sure.
Hermione was lying on his bed, staring out the window, her eyes red and blotchy.
"Hermione ..." he said softly, trying to get her attention.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice cracking.
Harry walked over to her, sitting next to her, and taking her hands in his. "For what, 'Mione? There's nothing to be sorry about."
Hermione wouldn't look at look at him. "For ruining everything," she replied, ignoring the confused look on Harry's face.
" 'Mione, Honey, you didn't ruin anything. Everyone knows that Snape is just jealous because you're the smartest person in school and you're not in Slytherin."
Hermione shook her head sadly, stood up, and went over to the window. She made little shapes out of the thin mist on the window. Snowflakes fell from the sky making Hermione wish she were outside. She heard Harry come up behind her and she turned around to look at him. Tears blurred her vision and she raised a hand to swipe at them.
Harry was about to comfort her when he saw something on her arm that made him frown. He grabbed on to her arm before the sleeve of her robe could cover the bruise. "Who did this?" Harry asked, angrily.
"W-who d-did w-what?" she asked, knowing perfectly well what he meant. Harry's green eyes were dark with anger, she was almost afraid of him.
"Who gave you this bruise?" he asked. "Answer me, Hermione!" he shouted, when she wouldn't answer.
Hermione shut her eyes and turned her head away from him. Harry wouldn't hit me, he's my friend, she thought, terrified.
"Hermione?" he asked, shocked. She had her eyes closed, tears were streaming from the corners. The arm he wasn't holding on to was curled into a fist by her side. She was shaking her head from side to side and murmuring, "Don't hit me, please don't hit."
Harry reached out a hand to touch her cheek but Hermione shrank away from his touch; tears gathered in his eyes. "Oh, baby, I'm not going to hit you," Harry whispered, pulling her closer and sliding his arms around her. "I would never hurt you," he said.
Hermione relaxed and buried her head between his neck and shoulder. "I know. I just ... I just thought of Anthony ..." she tried to explain how Harry's face had dissolved into Anthony's, that she had seen Anthony's cold blue eyes and not Harry's warm green ones.
"I'm sorry, 'Mione. I shouldn't have gotten so upset," Harry said, stroking her hair. "Anthony gave you that bruise, didn't he?" he asked after a few minutes. "He gave you that scar, also, didn't he? Why didn't I see it earlier?" he asked more to himself than to Hermione.
Hermione slowly pushed away and looked up at him. "We're missing class," she whispered.
Harry smiled at her, glad she was back to normal. "I know. Do you want to go back? Or you could stay here if you want ..."
"Could you stay with me?" she asked, smiling back.
"Of course."
He led her to their common room and they sat on one of the plush velvet couches, near the blazing fire.
Neither of them spoke, they were each preoccupied with their own thoughts.
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"That was quite a show you made in Snape's class. I wish I were brave enough to run out of there. Then Ron could run after me and we would snog in the empty common room," Lavender said.
The two friends were coming from the library after researching for a potion for their potions class (now free of Snape). Harry was teaching a new member some of the Quidditch moves for the next game against Hufflepuff, while Ron was with Ginny in the Gryffindor Common Room. Hermione wondered when Ginny was going to tell her brother that she was seeing Draco.
Lavender's comment made Hermione laugh. "We didn't snog. We talked the whole time."
Lavender gave her a Right-Like-I-Actually-Believe-That look which made Hermione laugh harder.
As they neared the common room they heard yelling from inside. "Uh oh.." Lavender breathed, recognizing her boyfriend's deep voice. They hurriedly said the password and ran into the room.
Ron and Ginny were in the middle of the room, their faces red. "I can't believe you, Ginny! How could you do something like this!" Ron was saying. Everyone's eyes were fixated on the two siblings.
"Calm down, Ron.," Ginny said. Evidently, she had prepared for this type of reaction.
"Calm down? Calm down!" he cried. Ron suddenly turned to Hermione and Lavender, his eyes blazing and his face was as red as his hair. "Guess what you guys. My sister is shagging the most horrendous person on the face of the earth," Ginny turned a bright red, the color clashed with her hair.
"He's changed, Ron," Hermione answered, catching Ginny's eye, a grateful expression on her face.
"What? You knew and you didn't tell me!" Ron turned to Hermione, his anger fixed on her.
"By accident. Besides, they're in love," Hermione said. Ron and Lavender both looked at her as if she were insane.
"Don't you dare tell me about love, Hermione! You don't know the first thing about love! You push away the one person who loves you more than life itself and stay with the person who treats you like trash!" Ron shouted, making everyone gasp at his comment.
Hermione stumbled backwards as if he had slapped her. "That's not fair, Ron," she said, quietly, tears crowding her eyes. Don't cry! You can't cry, Hermione! she told herself.
"Oh, it isn't, is it? You actually believed Anthony loved you even though he beat you to a pulp every day! You might be smart in school but you don't know shit about love!"
Hermione turned on her heel and ran out of the room, for the second time that day. She ran down the halls, tears streaming down her cheeks, not caring how many rules she was breaking. She needed to get away from everything and everyone.
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"Hey guys. What's up?" Harry asked, the smile fading as he saw the looks on everyone's faces. "What's wrong?" he asked, sitting across from Ron and Lavender.
When Ron didn't answer, Lavender replied, "Ron and Ginny had a fight a while ago. Ginny has been seeing Draco since the end of last year," she stopped here, waiting for her words to sink in. "Hermione and I came in while they were arguing and apparently Hermione knew about them. She defended them! So Ron said something ... well ... she ran out of here crying," Lavender finished.
Harry turned to Ron. "What did you say to her?" he asked, quietly. "I know it might be a shock for you to find out that Ginny is with Draco, but she's a big girl, she can take care of herself. I think Draco really has changed, I mean he hasn't said anything to us and it's almost Christmas!" Harry added.
Ron looked up, his blue eyes glistening. "I know, but it's hard to believe that my sister is dating a Malfoy," Ron looked away. "I basically told her that she was stupid for believing that Anthony had actually loved her," he confessed, softly.
Harry jumped up, his eyes wide. "What! You know she hates herself for that! Yet you go and rub it in her face?"
Ron jumped up also. "I know! But I was angry and you know it's true! She pushes you away yet stays with the one who beats her up!"
"Hermione doesn't push me away! What are you talking about?" Harry cried.
"Oh please, Harry! Don't deny that you love her! Everyone knows!"
"No, I-I ... how did you find out?" Harry asked, lowering his voice a few notches.
"You and Hermione wear your hearts on your sleeves, Harry. I see you look at her when you think no one is watching. When are you going to tell her? What are you waiting for?" Ron asked, lowering his voice also.
"Where did she go?" he asked, ignoring Ron's question.
Lavender and Ron shook their heads. "We don't know. Harry, tell her I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said," Ron told him, guilt flooding his conscious.
Harry nodded and walked out of the common room, hurrying down corridors, making up his mind to tell her once and for all.
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Hermione leaned against a tree next to the lake, looking up at the Dark Mark that stood out amidst the blackness. She knew she shouldn't be outside alone and especially at night, but she didn't care.
She looked away from the sky and turned to gaze out across the frozen lake. She wrapped her arms around herself, wishing she had grabbed a coat, and let her thoughts envelope her. Tears streamed down her face as everything came rushing back.
" 'Mione!" Hermione twirled around at the sound of the familiar voice and saw Harry jogging towards her; her coat in one hand. "You're going to freeze!"
Hermione took her coat and slipped it on. "Thanks," she murmured glancing up at him.
He was standing across from her, arms spread open, waiting for her to slip into them. Hermione smiled and slid her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. Harry didn't ask what had happened between her and Ron, he didn't tell her that it was wrong to come outside alone, he didn't say anything and for that she was grateful. "He was right, you know," she whispered after a few minutes silence.
Harry shook his head. "No, he wasn't. Ron was angry, he didn't mean the things he said."
"He is right. I was stupid to think Anthony loved me when the one person who did love me was right under my nose," she said, quietly.
Harry didn't catch the meaning behind her words. "No, don't worry, he WILL NOT hurt you again. It's all over with," he stroked her hair, absently, both of them quiet.
"Harry?"
"Yeah, 'Mione?"
Hermione looked up at him, wanting to see his reaction. "You have my heart. too."
Harry's face went from confusion, to embarrassment, and then to happiness. he looked down at her, eyes wide. "Really?"
Hermione smiled. "Really," she whispered.
Harry broke out into an ear to ear grin. They leaned closer until their lips met in an explosive kiss. A rush of happiness passed through both of them. All the passion that they had held in for so long was finally let out.
They finally pulled apart due to lack of oxygen. Harry gently leaned his forehead against hers, staring into her eyes.
"I love you, 'Mione. I always have," he whispered.
"I love you, too, Harry. I always will," she whispered back.
Harry suddenly laughed. "Everyone knew we were in love. They were all waiting for us to tell each other!"
"Hm, I guess we were the last to find out," Hermione said, smiling.
"I'm glad we found out this way, though," Harry said, leaning in for another kiss.
"Me too," Hermione mumbled against his lips, running her hand through his hair. She was no longer cold, in fact, she felt as if her whole body was on fire. "Harry?"
"Hmm?"
"Never wait so long again."
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Professor McGonagall stood there for a moment watching her two students.
Harry and Hermione were smiling at each other, their arms around one another. They seemed oblivious to the cold and the snow that swirled around them.
The old witch smiled to herself, glad that they had found happiness in each other, finally. After a few more moments she walked up to them, going back to her normal stern self. "Mr. Potter and Miss Granger, don't you know it's against school rules to be outside unaccompanied and at such an hour?"
The couple jumped. "Sorry, Professor. We won't do it again," Hermione answered.
McGonagall gave them a slight nod. "I have come to tell you that Professor Dumbledore wants to speak with the two of you. Mr. Weasley is already in the headmaster's office. Follow me, before you catch your deaths of cold."
Harry and Hermione followed their professor hand in hand. When they finally reached Dumbledore's office, they found more people than they had expected.
"Sirius! Hagrid! What are you two doing here?" Harry cried, hugging his Godfather and the Hogwart's gamekeeper, Hermione doing the same.
"Hello, you two," Sirius said, with a smile. Noticing a change in them.
"Hullo, 'Arry, 'Ermione. How er yeh?" Hagrid asked, giving them big hugs. "How 'ave yeh been 'Ermione? 'Er yeh doin' alright?" he asked, seriously.
"I'm fine, Hagrid," she smiled up at the giant.
"Hey, Hermione ..." she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see Ron, looking very apologetic. "I'm really sorry about before. I didn't mean any of it ..."
"It's okay, Ron. I understand," Hermione said, hugging him. Ron smiled widely at her, glad everything was back to normal.
All of them jumped when Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Now that everyone is here, I would like to get on with business."
Everyone quieted and turned their attention to the headmaster.
"As you know, Voldemort (here Ron and Hagrid winced at the name) has began attacking. Not only wizards and witches but Muggles also ..."
"Are you okay?" Harry asked as he watched Hermione bite her bottom lip. She looked at him with worried eyes and shook her head.
"Um, Professor Dumbledore?" Hermione interrupted quietly.
"Yes, Miss Granger?" he said, kindly.
"I have a confession to make," with that she told them about Anthony, all the threats, and all of Voldemort's plans that Anthony had told her. "I'm so sorry I didn't say anything before, but I was scared .." tears formed in her eyes and she had to look away. She looked up, however, when she felt Harry's hand squeeze her right one and Ron's squeeze her left one.
"I see. Well, I'm glad you told us, Miss Granger," Dumbledore said, smiling warmly at her. "Sirius, Hagrid, are you ready to go?"
"Go where?" Harry asked, looking worried.
'Hagrid and I are going to go track Voldemort down and try to stop him from gathering more followers. And if we are able, we are going to try and stop his next attacks, or at least stall him for a few days," Sirius explained.
"No! You can't do that! It's too dangerous!" Harry cried, his eyes wide with shock.
"I know, but it's the only way. Besides, I'll be back before you know it and then we can spend our first Christmas together," Sirius smiled, wrapping an arm around Harry's shoulder.
Harry nodded but he was still very afraid for his Godfather and his friend. Hermione squeezed his hand for comfort, bringing a smile to his face. Sirius will be all right. He's a strong wizard, if he could live through Azkaban he can live through this, Harry thought, turning his attention back to the ancient wizard who was very determined to win this time.
A.N: Hi!! Well, another chapter done! I hope you all enjoyed it and I hope it was long enough, it sure seemed so. I wasn't going to have Hagrid but I changed my mind. He might be in later chapters but don't expect too much of him. Now on to my reviewers ... to MoJo: you really need to calm down before you give yourself a heart attack! No one forced you to read this (and you read through ALL 11 chapters, by the way) story. You know, you should really use this as your motto: "If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all." Anyway, thanks for the review! And to the rest of my reviewers, thank you SO much! You guys are the best!!!!
Until next chapter,
^*^ Sweetie ^*^