Chapter 5: Doubt
Hermione was reading some old Muggle history books her parents had found in the attic. It made her feel like she was back at school studying. She had resisted a temptation to ask her mother to write up some tests. She missed school almost more than--
!!!CRASH!!!
"Crookshanks!!" The ginger cat, who had been sitting on the desk, was now hanging by his claws outside the window. Hermione pulled him in, being careful not to get in the way of the scrambling claws. He jumped from her arms and ran out the door. Hermione straightened the books on her desk and looked down at the shards of glass. She dug her wand out of her trunk in the closet and whispered.
"Reparo."The shards reformed into a drinking glass with blue flowers on it. She put her wand away quickly. She wasn't suppose to use magic away from Hogwarts, but she didn't think it would be detected, it was only a glass after all. She placed the glass on her bedside table and went back to the window to pull her curtains back inside. What had Crookshanks tried to attack?
"Squawk!" Hermione jumped back, startled by the little brown owl hanging from her curtain. She went back and pulled it in, now recognizing who it was. It began hopping around on her desk, kicking its leg out. There was a letter attached too it. Hermione untied the letter. "Thank you Pigwidgeon."
"Squawk!" The messenger was obviously proud of his accomplishment. Hermione gave him some owl treats she kept in her desk and sat down on her bed. It had been almost two weeks since Percy's last letter, but she wasn't worried (he was very busy after all). But this was from Ron. She hadn't received one from Ron. She'd gotten quite a few from Harry and a couple from Ginny, but none from Ron. She looked at the letter, her heart suddenly beating much too fast. Because of excitement or fear? "Squawk!"
"I'm opening it," Hermione said to the hyperactive owl that was now hopping back and forth on the stacks of her books. She opened the letter carefully, much more carefully than the ones from Percy she had ripped opened anxiously. Her hands were trembling slightly as she pulled the piece of paper from the envelope. It was very short and to the point...and very unlike Ron:
Hermione, we were wondering if your family would like to come visit. My
parents insist.
Please send a reply with Pig. Ron
Hermione wasn't sure what to think. Ron never wrote dull letters. They were always full of excitement or disgust or sarcasm. There wasn't even a hint of feeling in this one. Something was wrong.She went and talked to her parents who agreed a visit would be fun. Her mother noticed her face was flushed.
"You seem awfully excited," she said with a smile. She winked at her daughter. "Do you like Ron?""Ew, no Mom!" Hermione said. There was something wrong. She answered to quickly and much too defensively. Her mother just dismissed it and told her what to tell the Weasley's.
Hermione wrote a short note saying they would be happy to visit and they could be there a next week. She asked that he reply so they know that's okay. Tying the letter to Pigwidgeon's leg turned out to be a challenge. His wings were beating furiously, anxious to begin his next errand. He nearly ran into the wall when he left, possibly because Crookshanks had entered Hermione's room again and hissed.
"What's wrong with him?" Hermione asked her cat. Crookshanks stared at her indifferently. Well, he would definitely not have the answer. Maybe Harry did. Hermione almost wrote Harry to ask him, but decided against it. She would find out soon enough.
****
Ron's next letter wasn't anything like the previous one. It was normal (at least for Ron). Pigwidgeon flew circles around the room as Hermione read it:
Hermione, Can't wait to see you. Mom's already got the "guest room" ready
(they kicked Percy onto the couch). Maybe you can shut Percy up!! All he does is walk
around with his nose in the air and tell us what to do. I can't stand it! Neither can Fred and George.
They're planning to enchant his
glasses so they'll bite his nose. But of course I'm totally objecting.
They shouldn't be doing something so
immature, especially since they stole the idea from me! pOh, Dad got tickets to the Quidditch World Cup!! We're going to invite
Harry (and you! Don't give me that 'isn't that nice' look). So maybe if you bring your school stuff
along you can just stay here. It's only a week before school starts anyway.See you soon! Ron brp.s.. NEVER
give Pig any sugar! why?
Look at him!!!
Hermione looked at the little owl and saw him bouncing back and forth in the doorway. She also saw Crookshanks stalking him from the hall. She sent a short reply to Ron and then started going through her trunk. They were leaving that night so they could spend some time at her aunts house on the way. She wanted to make sure (for the fourth time) that she had everything. The last thing she did before leaving her room was slip a bulging envelope into her trunk.
****
"Percy will you sit down!" Mrs Weasley was not in a good mood. Ginny was sick, the twins had blown something up in their room, and Percy had been checking the front door all day. Ron was the only one who hadn't gotten yelled at (which was quite an accomplishment). "They said they wouldn't be here until after dinner. When they get here you will hear them now stop it!"
"Sorry mum," Percy mumbled and sat down in the living room. Not five minutes later a car pulled up. Percy jumped up, his heart racing. His mother glared at him and went to the door herself. She opened it up and her frown disappeared. "Meg! Alex! Hermione! How nice to see you!" Molly met them on the porch. "Please come in. Oh don't worry about those, the boys will get them. Fred, George, Percy!"
"What about Ron?" George asked. His face was a strange yellowish color, as was Freds. "Why doesn't he have to help?"
"He has been listening," Molly said. Ron grinned at his brothers. "And he doesn't have to be told, he's gentlemanly enough to do it on his own. Now do as your told. We have company."The twins snickered at Ron and went out to grab the Granger's bags. Percy had gotten Hermione's trunk before they were even at the car. The Grangers went in and sat down with Molly and Hermione was directed upstairs.
"Ginny? You awake?" Hermione whispered as she entered the darkened room. Ginny rolled over, opened her eyes and smiled. "Good. I didn't want to get stuck with the boys!"
"I was wondering when you'd get here." Ginny crawled out of bed and turned on her lamp. She sat back down on her bed and Hermione sat beside her. "Where's Crookshanks?"
"Chasing the gnomes in the garden," Hermione said. She smiled. "You're mom seemed pleased."
"Yea," Ginny said. "Those stupid things keep coming back. I don't know where they come from but I think there's a homing beacon for them here. Mom's flower garden is their universal meeting place."
The girls laughed. Then there was a knock at the door. Ginny opened it and Percy came in with Hermione's trunk. He put down inside the room and then hesitated. Ginny looked from him to Hermione.
"I'm going to get a drink, would you like anything?" Hermione shook her head. Ginny looked at Percy. "Keep her company until I get back."Then Ginny was gone, closing the door behind her. Percy stood by the door looking down at Hermione sitting on the bed. She was silent, afraid if she opened her mouth she'd say something stupid. Luckily Percy beat her to it.
"So you just got here, huh?" Hermione laughed as Percy smacked himself in the forehead. She went over to him, finding some courage bury deep down inside her, and kissed his cheek. He smiled, his cheeks red with embarrassment. "I've missed you."
"Me too." They were whispering so low they were practically reading each others lips. Ron and the twins had just passed Ginny's room so they had to be quiet. When the boys finally went back downstairs Percy leaned down and kissed Hermione's lips. They were soft, just like he remembered them. Her hand had a tight hold on his shirt as the familiar warm feeling filled her body. Hermione had a sudden thought ('Is this what I really missed?') that was interrupted thankfully by a knock on the door. They pulled away quickly and Ginny entered.
"Don't worry, everyone's down stairs," she said. She laughed at the shocked looks on their faces. Sitting down on her bed, her pale face had a little more color in it. She was a little embarrassed. "Oh come on. I'm not as dim as the boys in this family. I know what Percy acts like when he's got a girl."
"But how did you know about--" Percy pointed at Hermione. Ginny just giggled again. "She's my friend, isn't she," Ginny said, looking at Hermione for conformation. Hermione nodded her head and smiled. "I know when my friends are acting weird. That and I found one of your notes in a book Hermione lent me."
She pulled a large book out of her backpack and opened it to the middle. She handed the piece of paper to Hermione who took it sheepishly. She looked at Percy, afraid he'd be mad, but he was smiling. He ruffled Ginny's hair and kissed Hermione on the cheek.
"I better go downstairs before they suspect something." He left the two girls alone. As he did they heard him say something. "Hey Ron, is Dad back yet?"
"Yea," they heard Ron answer. Then he was standing in Ginny's doorway. "What's going on in here?"
"Girl stuff," Ginny said. Hermione nodded. Ron gave them a devious smile. "We'll just have to tell Fred and George about that then won't we?"
"Ron, don't!" Ginny whined. Apparently the twins had been torturing her all week. Ron winced.
"Fine I won't," he said in disgust. "Just don't do that anymore. Geez you're not a baby anymore."
Ginny stuck her tongue out at him, Ron returned the gesture. He left and the they started their girl talk. Ginny explained how Percy was acting the same way he did when he was going out with Penelope the previous year. Something in Hermione twisted at the mention of Percy's ex-girlfriend. They spent the evening in her room and had an early night. Hermione was tired from the car ride and Ginny was still not feeling very good. As they lay down, Hermione kept hoping Percy would sneak in and give her a kiss. Then she heard the Weasley's car start and knew it wouldn't happen. Ministry business.
****
The next day Mr Weasley and Ron went and picked up Harry using floo powder. That apparently hadn't gone well with Harry's family. The boys had quite the story to tell, the moral being never eat anything Fred and George give you.
Then all the boys, except Percy, headed outside to play quidditch with Hermione tagging along to watch. Molly Weasley and Meg Granger went shopping, with Ginny in tow (she was feeling much better and in the mood for ice-cream). Arthur Weasley and Alex Granger were having a great time with Alex's camera. Percy was upstairs in his room working on 'Ministry business'.
Hermione got tired of watching the four boys beating each other senseless and headed back to the house. The fathers had moved outside, apparently still looking at the Grangers camera. She passed them and went inside and up to Ginny's room. There she picked up her book, the one her mother had given her. She was only on the fourth chapter, mostly because she'd had no desire to read it until they were on their way to the Burrow. She opened the book and began to read.
block
"...What are you thinking of?" asked Rosamond as he sat with his head on his hand looking down at the golden-green lizards playing on the warm stones below
"I was thinking what a curious thing love is; only a sentiment, and yet it has the power to make fools of men and slaves of women.
"It never will have power to make a slave of me." Rosamond lifted her handsome head with the defiant air of some wild, free thing, indignant at the thought of bonds.
"I think it would, Rose. If you love me as you say you do, would you not prove it by doing anything for me, making any sacrifice at my bidding, and defending me against the world if there was need of it?"/i/block
Hermione stopped reading. She began to ponder this question, then thought better of it. Why ruin the story by getting technical. She began reading again.
block "I would do anything that was right, make any sacrife except of principle, and defend you against anyone who wrongfully accused you."/block
This brought a smile to Hermione's face. She really liked this girl. Rosamond was who Hermione wanted to be. When she was reading the first part of the book, she found she was more like the man, Phillip Tempest, very literal about things. Rosamond on the other hand loved fantasy. As she read further she began noticing, little by little, she was very similar to Rose. That last comment was the perfect example. But she still was not sure she believed in fantasy.
"Guess who," a voice said as hands covered her face. She smiled and pulled them away, afraid for a moment that it was Ron and Harry. But as she had guessed in the first place (and should have realized from the screams outside) it wasn't. It was exactly who she wanted it to be. "Whatcha readin'?"
"Louisa May Alcott,," Hermione answered looking up at Percy's caring eyes. i'Is this really who you wanted to be here?'/i she thought. Her smile faltered and she pushed the thought away. He didn't seem to notice. "My mom gave it to me. Said I needed a book with a romantic touch or something."
"Oh, how about this?" Percy put his hand on her neck and drew her close. He kissed her softly first and then more passionately. Her arms went around his neck as he sat down on the bed beside her. Her hands were in his hair, his were on the small of her back. The room was too hot, but they wanted it to stay that way. They were embracing each other, feeling each others warmth, each others longing. Then they heard the door open downstairs and their fathers laughter drifted up to them. The moment was over.
"Parents have the worst timing," Percy whispered. He could feel Hermione's breath on his neck.
"Actually they have the best timing," Hermione said. Percy pulled back from her before she realized what she'd said. She laughed breathlessly and shook her head. "I mean if you look at it from their point of view they don't have bad timing, they have great timing."
"Percy, get down here I gotta show you this!" Arthur's voice was filled with excitement. Alex was laughing. "Come on!"
"Just a sec, Dad," Percy called. He looked back at Hermione. He leaned forward and kissed her nose before standing up. He was reluctant to leave and it seemed by the hold she had on his shirt, that Hermione was reluctant to let him. "Don't worry, we'll find some more time. We've got an ally."
"Yea," Hermione said quietly. She nodded towards the door. "You better get down there. Your dad sounds like he's just found the Holy Grail."
"See you downstairs." Percy left. Hermione put her hands in her head. iHoly Grail?/i, where the hell did that come from? It didn't matter now. What mattered was sorting out her feelings. She loved being with Percy, but she was having the same thoughts as when she'd kissed him earlier. Her mind kept questioning her motives. But they seemed so clear to her, or they did.
"Stop it, Hermione," she mumbled to herself. Why? her mind shot back, so you don't have to face it? She shook her head (literally) and went to her trunk. She pulled out one of her school books and sat down with it. Studying was the only thing that silenced the new voice in her head. But even as she was reading, she started wondering to herself what it was she wasn't facing. What ever it was, she wasn't going to have to face it now. Ginny had arrived home and she was dragged downstairs into the hectic kitchen to help their mothers bake.
That night Hermione lay awake, staring out Ginny's window. Crookshanks was curled up at her feet purring. She tried to wake that little voice in her head, but it seemed as if it would only come around when it was not invited. So she was left wondering what these new thoughts, new feelings were. Was is really that she was losing the feelings she had for Percy, or was it merely fear about the unknown world that was opening before her?
block"...what a curious thing love is; only a sentiment, and yet..."/block
Hermione was reading some old Muggle history books her parents had found in the attic. It made her feel like she was back at school studying. She had resisted a temptation to ask her mother to write up some tests. She missed school almost more than--
!!!CRASH!!!
"Crookshanks!!" The ginger cat, who had been sitting on the desk, was now hanging by his claws outside the window. Hermione pulled him in, being careful not to get in the way of the scrambling claws. He jumped from her arms and ran out the door. Hermione straightened the books on her desk and looked down at the shards of glass. She dug her wand out of her trunk in the closet and whispered.
"Reparo."The shards reformed into a drinking glass with blue flowers on it. She put her wand away quickly. She wasn't suppose to use magic away from Hogwarts, but she didn't think it would be detected, it was only a glass after all. She placed the glass on her bedside table and went back to the window to pull her curtains back inside. What had Crookshanks tried to attack?
"Squawk!" Hermione jumped back, startled by the little brown owl hanging from her curtain. She went back and pulled it in, now recognizing who it was. It began hopping around on her desk, kicking its leg out. There was a letter attached too it. Hermione untied the letter. "Thank you Pigwidgeon."
"Squawk!" The messenger was obviously proud of his accomplishment. Hermione gave him some owl treats she kept in her desk and sat down on her bed. It had been almost two weeks since Percy's last letter, but she wasn't worried (he was very busy after all). But this was from Ron. She hadn't received one from Ron. She'd gotten quite a few from Harry and a couple from Ginny, but none from Ron. She looked at the letter, her heart suddenly beating much too fast. Because of excitement or fear? "Squawk!"
"I'm opening it," Hermione said to the hyperactive owl that was now hopping back and forth on the stacks of her books. She opened the letter carefully, much more carefully than the ones from Percy she had ripped opened anxiously. Her hands were trembling slightly as she pulled the piece of paper from the envelope. It was very short and to the point...and very unlike Ron:
Hermione, we were wondering if your family would like to come visit. My
parents insist.
Please send a reply with Pig. Ron
Hermione wasn't sure what to think. Ron never wrote dull letters. They were always full of excitement or disgust or sarcasm. There wasn't even a hint of feeling in this one. Something was wrong.She went and talked to her parents who agreed a visit would be fun. Her mother noticed her face was flushed.
"You seem awfully excited," she said with a smile. She winked at her daughter. "Do you like Ron?""Ew, no Mom!" Hermione said. There was something wrong. She answered to quickly and much too defensively. Her mother just dismissed it and told her what to tell the Weasley's.
Hermione wrote a short note saying they would be happy to visit and they could be there a next week. She asked that he reply so they know that's okay. Tying the letter to Pigwidgeon's leg turned out to be a challenge. His wings were beating furiously, anxious to begin his next errand. He nearly ran into the wall when he left, possibly because Crookshanks had entered Hermione's room again and hissed.
"What's wrong with him?" Hermione asked her cat. Crookshanks stared at her indifferently. Well, he would definitely not have the answer. Maybe Harry did. Hermione almost wrote Harry to ask him, but decided against it. She would find out soon enough.
****
Ron's next letter wasn't anything like the previous one. It was normal (at least for Ron). Pigwidgeon flew circles around the room as Hermione read it:
Hermione, Can't wait to see you. Mom's already got the "guest room" ready
(they kicked Percy onto the couch). Maybe you can shut Percy up!! All he does is walk
around with his nose in the air and tell us what to do. I can't stand it! Neither can Fred and George.
They're planning to enchant his
glasses so they'll bite his nose. But of course I'm totally objecting.
They shouldn't be doing something so
immature, especially since they stole the idea from me! pOh, Dad got tickets to the Quidditch World Cup!! We're going to invite
Harry (and you! Don't give me that 'isn't that nice' look). So maybe if you bring your school stuff
along you can just stay here. It's only a week before school starts anyway.See you soon! Ron brp.s.. NEVER
give Pig any sugar! why?
Look at him!!!
Hermione looked at the little owl and saw him bouncing back and forth in the doorway. She also saw Crookshanks stalking him from the hall. She sent a short reply to Ron and then started going through her trunk. They were leaving that night so they could spend some time at her aunts house on the way. She wanted to make sure (for the fourth time) that she had everything. The last thing she did before leaving her room was slip a bulging envelope into her trunk.
****
"Percy will you sit down!" Mrs Weasley was not in a good mood. Ginny was sick, the twins had blown something up in their room, and Percy had been checking the front door all day. Ron was the only one who hadn't gotten yelled at (which was quite an accomplishment). "They said they wouldn't be here until after dinner. When they get here you will hear them now stop it!"
"Sorry mum," Percy mumbled and sat down in the living room. Not five minutes later a car pulled up. Percy jumped up, his heart racing. His mother glared at him and went to the door herself. She opened it up and her frown disappeared. "Meg! Alex! Hermione! How nice to see you!" Molly met them on the porch. "Please come in. Oh don't worry about those, the boys will get them. Fred, George, Percy!"
"What about Ron?" George asked. His face was a strange yellowish color, as was Freds. "Why doesn't he have to help?"
"He has been listening," Molly said. Ron grinned at his brothers. "And he doesn't have to be told, he's gentlemanly enough to do it on his own. Now do as your told. We have company."The twins snickered at Ron and went out to grab the Granger's bags. Percy had gotten Hermione's trunk before they were even at the car. The Grangers went in and sat down with Molly and Hermione was directed upstairs.
"Ginny? You awake?" Hermione whispered as she entered the darkened room. Ginny rolled over, opened her eyes and smiled. "Good. I didn't want to get stuck with the boys!"
"I was wondering when you'd get here." Ginny crawled out of bed and turned on her lamp. She sat back down on her bed and Hermione sat beside her. "Where's Crookshanks?"
"Chasing the gnomes in the garden," Hermione said. She smiled. "You're mom seemed pleased."
"Yea," Ginny said. "Those stupid things keep coming back. I don't know where they come from but I think there's a homing beacon for them here. Mom's flower garden is their universal meeting place."
The girls laughed. Then there was a knock at the door. Ginny opened it and Percy came in with Hermione's trunk. He put down inside the room and then hesitated. Ginny looked from him to Hermione.
"I'm going to get a drink, would you like anything?" Hermione shook her head. Ginny looked at Percy. "Keep her company until I get back."Then Ginny was gone, closing the door behind her. Percy stood by the door looking down at Hermione sitting on the bed. She was silent, afraid if she opened her mouth she'd say something stupid. Luckily Percy beat her to it.
"So you just got here, huh?" Hermione laughed as Percy smacked himself in the forehead. She went over to him, finding some courage bury deep down inside her, and kissed his cheek. He smiled, his cheeks red with embarrassment. "I've missed you."
"Me too." They were whispering so low they were practically reading each others lips. Ron and the twins had just passed Ginny's room so they had to be quiet. When the boys finally went back downstairs Percy leaned down and kissed Hermione's lips. They were soft, just like he remembered them. Her hand had a tight hold on his shirt as the familiar warm feeling filled her body. Hermione had a sudden thought ('Is this what I really missed?') that was interrupted thankfully by a knock on the door. They pulled away quickly and Ginny entered.
"Don't worry, everyone's down stairs," she said. She laughed at the shocked looks on their faces. Sitting down on her bed, her pale face had a little more color in it. She was a little embarrassed. "Oh come on. I'm not as dim as the boys in this family. I know what Percy acts like when he's got a girl."
"But how did you know about--" Percy pointed at Hermione. Ginny just giggled again. "She's my friend, isn't she," Ginny said, looking at Hermione for conformation. Hermione nodded her head and smiled. "I know when my friends are acting weird. That and I found one of your notes in a book Hermione lent me."
She pulled a large book out of her backpack and opened it to the middle. She handed the piece of paper to Hermione who took it sheepishly. She looked at Percy, afraid he'd be mad, but he was smiling. He ruffled Ginny's hair and kissed Hermione on the cheek.
"I better go downstairs before they suspect something." He left the two girls alone. As he did they heard him say something. "Hey Ron, is Dad back yet?"
"Yea," they heard Ron answer. Then he was standing in Ginny's doorway. "What's going on in here?"
"Girl stuff," Ginny said. Hermione nodded. Ron gave them a devious smile. "We'll just have to tell Fred and George about that then won't we?"
"Ron, don't!" Ginny whined. Apparently the twins had been torturing her all week. Ron winced.
"Fine I won't," he said in disgust. "Just don't do that anymore. Geez you're not a baby anymore."
Ginny stuck her tongue out at him, Ron returned the gesture. He left and the they started their girl talk. Ginny explained how Percy was acting the same way he did when he was going out with Penelope the previous year. Something in Hermione twisted at the mention of Percy's ex-girlfriend. They spent the evening in her room and had an early night. Hermione was tired from the car ride and Ginny was still not feeling very good. As they lay down, Hermione kept hoping Percy would sneak in and give her a kiss. Then she heard the Weasley's car start and knew it wouldn't happen. Ministry business.
****
The next day Mr Weasley and Ron went and picked up Harry using floo powder. That apparently hadn't gone well with Harry's family. The boys had quite the story to tell, the moral being never eat anything Fred and George give you.
Then all the boys, except Percy, headed outside to play quidditch with Hermione tagging along to watch. Molly Weasley and Meg Granger went shopping, with Ginny in tow (she was feeling much better and in the mood for ice-cream). Arthur Weasley and Alex Granger were having a great time with Alex's camera. Percy was upstairs in his room working on 'Ministry business'.
Hermione got tired of watching the four boys beating each other senseless and headed back to the house. The fathers had moved outside, apparently still looking at the Grangers camera. She passed them and went inside and up to Ginny's room. There she picked up her book, the one her mother had given her. She was only on the fourth chapter, mostly because she'd had no desire to read it until they were on their way to the Burrow. She opened the book and began to read.
block
"...What are you thinking of?" asked Rosamond as he sat with his head on his hand looking down at the golden-green lizards playing on the warm stones below
"I was thinking what a curious thing love is; only a sentiment, and yet it has the power to make fools of men and slaves of women.
"It never will have power to make a slave of me." Rosamond lifted her handsome head with the defiant air of some wild, free thing, indignant at the thought of bonds.
"I think it would, Rose. If you love me as you say you do, would you not prove it by doing anything for me, making any sacrifice at my bidding, and defending me against the world if there was need of it?"/i/block
Hermione stopped reading. She began to ponder this question, then thought better of it. Why ruin the story by getting technical. She began reading again.
block "I would do anything that was right, make any sacrife except of principle, and defend you against anyone who wrongfully accused you."/block
This brought a smile to Hermione's face. She really liked this girl. Rosamond was who Hermione wanted to be. When she was reading the first part of the book, she found she was more like the man, Phillip Tempest, very literal about things. Rosamond on the other hand loved fantasy. As she read further she began noticing, little by little, she was very similar to Rose. That last comment was the perfect example. But she still was not sure she believed in fantasy.
"Guess who," a voice said as hands covered her face. She smiled and pulled them away, afraid for a moment that it was Ron and Harry. But as she had guessed in the first place (and should have realized from the screams outside) it wasn't. It was exactly who she wanted it to be. "Whatcha readin'?"
"Louisa May Alcott,," Hermione answered looking up at Percy's caring eyes. i'Is this really who you wanted to be here?'/i she thought. Her smile faltered and she pushed the thought away. He didn't seem to notice. "My mom gave it to me. Said I needed a book with a romantic touch or something."
"Oh, how about this?" Percy put his hand on her neck and drew her close. He kissed her softly first and then more passionately. Her arms went around his neck as he sat down on the bed beside her. Her hands were in his hair, his were on the small of her back. The room was too hot, but they wanted it to stay that way. They were embracing each other, feeling each others warmth, each others longing. Then they heard the door open downstairs and their fathers laughter drifted up to them. The moment was over.
"Parents have the worst timing," Percy whispered. He could feel Hermione's breath on his neck.
"Actually they have the best timing," Hermione said. Percy pulled back from her before she realized what she'd said. She laughed breathlessly and shook her head. "I mean if you look at it from their point of view they don't have bad timing, they have great timing."
"Percy, get down here I gotta show you this!" Arthur's voice was filled with excitement. Alex was laughing. "Come on!"
"Just a sec, Dad," Percy called. He looked back at Hermione. He leaned forward and kissed her nose before standing up. He was reluctant to leave and it seemed by the hold she had on his shirt, that Hermione was reluctant to let him. "Don't worry, we'll find some more time. We've got an ally."
"Yea," Hermione said quietly. She nodded towards the door. "You better get down there. Your dad sounds like he's just found the Holy Grail."
"See you downstairs." Percy left. Hermione put her hands in her head. iHoly Grail?/i, where the hell did that come from? It didn't matter now. What mattered was sorting out her feelings. She loved being with Percy, but she was having the same thoughts as when she'd kissed him earlier. Her mind kept questioning her motives. But they seemed so clear to her, or they did.
"Stop it, Hermione," she mumbled to herself. Why? her mind shot back, so you don't have to face it? She shook her head (literally) and went to her trunk. She pulled out one of her school books and sat down with it. Studying was the only thing that silenced the new voice in her head. But even as she was reading, she started wondering to herself what it was she wasn't facing. What ever it was, she wasn't going to have to face it now. Ginny had arrived home and she was dragged downstairs into the hectic kitchen to help their mothers bake.
That night Hermione lay awake, staring out Ginny's window. Crookshanks was curled up at her feet purring. She tried to wake that little voice in her head, but it seemed as if it would only come around when it was not invited. So she was left wondering what these new thoughts, new feelings were. Was is really that she was losing the feelings she had for Percy, or was it merely fear about the unknown world that was opening before her?
block"...what a curious thing love is; only a sentiment, and yet..."/block
