Just Waiting for the Rain

Chapter 1

Summary: This story is H/Hr. It is based at the end of seventh year and the years following it (hopefully...) In this story, Ron was killed in Voldemort's second rising.  Without Ron, Harry became preppy and full of himself while Hermione became more reclusive.  They grew apart and almost entirely lost track of one another's lives.  In their seventh year, they were assigned to each other as classroom partners. Let's see what happens, shall we?

a/n: Please, please, please r/r!  Many thanks to everyone who is encouraging me to keep writing!

Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters and setting belong to JK Rowling. I own nothing except the plot.

*April 21, 2004 – 7:30 PM – Hogwarts – Gryffindor girls' dormitory

            Hermione Granger sat quietly on her four-poster bed, holding a photo album with a cover of crushed red velvet.  The red hangings with the gold trim that marked her as Head Girl were drawn around her.  She was completely secluded.  Well, that's they way I like it, isn't it?  I mean – I have never been a social animal, especially not in the last few years.  But for some reason, being alone is not making me cheerful today.  Hermione flopped back on her pillow and exhaled slowly.  Maybe it's foreboding or something.  She stood up, and, pushing her curtains aside, she walked over to the window and perched on the sill.  Several people were wandering around the grounds, Professors Dumbledore and Snape were sitting on a garden bench discussing something, and the Slytherin quidditch team was assembling in a corner of the quidditch pitch, looking menacingly at a single scarlet robed figure above.  Everything was completely normal.  But something inside of Hermione said it wasn't.

*April 21, 2004 – 9:30 PM – Hogwarts – Gryffindor boys' dormitory

            Harry Potter ran into his dormitory, laughing and out of breath.  Close behind him were Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan.  The three boys flopped on the floor, continuing to laugh hysterically.

            "That was some show you gave 'em Harry!" Seamus crowed, "And they thought that Harry Potter wouldn't have the guts to challenge and beat the entire Slytherin quidditch team to a match, solo!"

            "Well I am Harry Potter, aren't I?  I mean, how could they even doubt me?" Harry scoffed in a would-be casual manner.  But then he grinned like a young boy, "I did kick them in the arse, didn't I?"

            "It was awesome Harry!  The one quidditch match I've seen that was more exciting than soccer!" Dean said.

            "Will you ever give that soccer thing up Dean?  Honestly, I played it when I was a kid – it's not that great.  Wizarding pride, man!  Of course quidditch is always better that ANY muggle sport." Harry said, sneering.

            "Whatever Harry." Dean said, gazing in rapture at his tattered soccer poster on the wall of the dormitory. 

            It was then that Neville Longbottom burst into the room, extremely out of breath.  He leaned against the wall for a moment, and then spoke, "McGonagall and Snape want to see you, Harry.  They say it's about that quidditch thing."

            Harry rolled his eyes.  "No doubt it's a lecture about how unsafe that was and how foolish I was to put my life on the line when the entire wizarding world needs me."

            "I doubt that Harry," Neville said

            "Can't you just deduct house points from me Neville?  You are the Head Boy, after all.  Can't you just tell them that I've already been punished by you?" Harry pleaded.

            "Nope, no can do.  Sorry."  Neville shrugged, nervously.

            "Alright, I'm out of here." Harry muttered and dragged his feet out of the dormitory.

*April 22, 2002 – 10:45 AM – Hogwarts – DADA

            Harry Potter ran into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom 15 minutes late.  It wasn't as if he had been trying to come late, either.  A few Hufflepuffs had stopped him in the corridor and had just HAD to congratulate him in his performance on the quidditch pitch yesterday.  And he couldn't blame them.  He was pretty incredible.

            "Late again, Harry?" Remus Lupin asked from the front of the room, "Honestly Harry, how many detentions have you gotten just from being late to class this year?" 

            Harry looked down, pretending to be ashamed, "I don't know Professor.  A couple dozen I'd say." He flashed his trademark smirk around the room.  Several of his classmates laughed.

            "Harry, see me after class.  The rest of you – get to work on that essay on counter curses."  Professor Lupin said, gazing coolly at Harry.

            The class went slowly.  The essay, two feet to be handed in next Monday, was the only homework.  Finally, after and hour and a half, the bell rang and the class filed out for lunch.  All except Harry, who was standing in front of Professor Lupin's desk, looking bored, and Hermione, who was still scribbling on a piece of parchment.   

            "Harry, when are you going to start getting serious about your school again?  I haven't given you an 'A' since I came back to Hogwarts two years ago.  And if I recall correctly, you were once a top student."  Professor Lupin said quietly.

            "I don't know Professor," Harry yawned, "My career isn't going to have anything to do with any of this stuff, so why does it matter?  I told McGonagall and Snape the same thing last night."

            "And I'm sure they were happy to hear it," Lupin responded sarcastically, "Sirius wouldn't like the fact that you're not applying yourself, Harry.  He wanted you to succeed in school."

            "Don't bring Sirius into this Professor!" Harry exclaimed, looking suddenly angry, "My godfather has been dead for 3 years.  Don't threaten me with him."

            "I'm glad that you are still passionate about something other that quidditch and your girlfriend of the week.  And you know as well as I do that Sirius is alive.  He has his reasons for not contacting you."

            "He's dead in my eyes," Harry muttered, "Is that all professor?"

            "Yes Harry.  Go." Lupin said quietly.  Harry turned on his heels and marched out of the room, slamming the door behind him.  The sudden sound made Hermione look up.  Smiling sheepishly at the empty desks around her, she stuffed her parchment and quills into her bag.  Standing up, she began to walk toward the door when she heard her professor say, "One moment, Hermione." 

            "Yes Professor Lupin?" Hermione asked.

            "Do you have any idea what's going on with Harry?"

            "No sir.  Potter and I have hardly spoken since the beginning of fifth year." Hermione answered, quietly.

            "You knew him better than anyone else Hermione.  I doubt that any of his new 'friends' are quite as close as the two of you once were." Lupin said, gently.

            "What would you like me to do, Professor?" Hermione said, sensing that Lupin had a request to make of her.

            "I'll have to think about it. Go on Hermione.  You can leave," he said, dismissively.

            "Thanks Professor Lupin." Hermione said, slipping away quietly. 

*April 22, 2002 – 10:30 PM – Hogwarts – Hermione's Diary

Dear Diary,

            Well, no one can say today hasn't been interesting.  In DADA, Prof. Lupin had us writing our essays, when Harry Potter came in late again.  Prof. Lupin spoke to him about it after class, when I just "happened" to be finishing a thought in my essay.  Actually, I just wanted to hear what the Professor wanted to tell Potter.  After all, we were friends for almost 4 years.  Something about something Snuffles did to make him angry.  Anyway, Prof. Lupin asked me after class if I knew what was going on with him.  He wants me to try and help him or something.  That can't be good.  I mean, Harry Potter was once a very likable person.  But he's changed a lot since we were friends. 

            I spoke to Prof. Dumbledore after classes today about getting a position at Hogwarts after I graduate.  He says there may be an opening in the teaching staff next year, as Prof. Flitwick is retiring.  Apparently, Madame Hooch is as well.  I hardly thought he would offer me a teaching position!  I mean, I was expecting to be Filch's assistant or something.  It's strange how there is no equivalent of college in the magical world, especially since there's not really a primary school either.

            I've just had an owl from Viktor.  He's getting married in next month and he was hoping I could come to Bulgaria for the wedding.  I don't see how I can, since NEWTS are only a few weeks after the date.  I mean, if I'm already studying like crazy for them now, I don't care to see how absorbed I'll be then.  I'll send my regrets and a nice gift or something.  He was a nice guy, but I never really liked him. I had always liked-... well, someone else.  Anyways, I'm very happy for him.

            I'll sign off now so I can get some sleep. 

                                                                                                Hermione

*April 23, 2002 – 10:45 AM – Hogwarts – DADA

            Harry Potter ran into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, worried to see what Lupin's reaction would be today.  Although Harry was frequently late to his classes, he tried not to do it two days in a row.  Lupin, who had been standing at the front of the room looked at him harshly, and then turned away, "Nice of you to join us, Mr. Potter.  Take a seat," Lupin watched as Harry flopped behind his desk in the middle of the room.  "Now, the project I am assigning you is rather difficult.  In the last few weeks we have been discussing curses, counter curses, and their making.  I would like you to work in a team of two to invent your own counter curse that will block a curse of your own choosing.  Your teams will be assigned."  Lupin looked directly at Hermione, who, in her secluded back seat was looking at him angrily.  She had cottoned on to Lupin's idea to get Hermione close to Harry again and she didn't particularly like it. "Now then," the professor continued, ignoring Hermione's glare, "Let's see, Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, you two can team up.  Then Seamus and Neville.  Dean, you work with Pavarti." Professor Lupin quickly assigned each student a partner.  "Now pair up and begin planning your project."

            Hermione looked across the room at Harry, who was showing no intention of moving.  Sighing, she picked up her things and walked over to him.  Putting down her heavy bag, she turned to Harry and said, "Look Potter – I don't appreciate having to jeopardize my grade by having to work with you. But if Professor Lupin put us in this pair he must have a reason.  So let's just do this, okay?"

            "Fine by me.  And I hope you weren't planning to work on this during free time.  I, unlike you, have something of a social life." Harry said.

            Hermione glared at her partner.  That stung.  And of course, she'd be working on this project 24/7.  He knew her better than to think she would just work on it during class periods. "Well," she muttered to herself, "At least now I know why he fails everything.  He thinks to much of himself to work during his free time."

            "What was that, Hermione?"

            Hermione sighed, and put on a false grin, "Nothing Potter.  Let's get to work."

            They spent the rest of the period discussing curses.  Well, technically, Hermione carried on a one sided conversation with herself about possible curses to use, while Harry sent annoyed looks at Professor Lupin and made faces and Dean and Seamus.  Finally, the period ended.  Harry ran out of the room while Hermione stayed behind and approached Lupin.  "Was that really necessary Professor?  Making me work with him on a project?  You should know that the boy has the work ethic of a slug.  And honestly sir, while I'm willing to help you figure out what's going on with him, I'm not willing to put my grade point average on the line."

            "No worries, Hermione.  As I was about to tell you, I'd like you and Harry to make a work plan so I can grade you simply on your work and not on his." Lupin reassured her.

            "But Professor Lupin, this is a team project.  You can't grade individually on a team project!  And I don't want to be given an 'A' just for working with Potter.  It's not fair to the others," Hermione exclaimed. 

            "It's also not fair that a student like you should have to work with a student like him.  Don't worry about anything, Hermione.  I'll speak to Professor Dumbledore about what I should do." Lupin said.

            "Thank you sir." Hermione mumbled and, gathering her things, left the room. 

*April 25, 2002 – 7:30 PM – Hogwarts – Teachers Lounge

            "It's a lovely thought, Remus.  But don't you think it's a bit risky?" Professor McGonagall said at the weekly staff meeting.  

            "Certainly, if it worked it would be brilliant. Remus, think rationally, do you think you can really bend two teenagers to your own will?"  Flitwick commented.

            "It could work though!  Can't you all see it?  The problems only started when they stopped being friends."  Lupin said in a fury of excitement.

"The problems started, Professor Lupin, when Ron Weasley died.  Not when Harry and Hermione stopped speaking." Neville said.  He had been the one to tell Hermione earlier that the staff meeting had been called off for that week.  It wouldn't do to have the Head Girl attend a meeting being called because of her.

            "Longbottom is right, as much as it pains me to admit it." Snape said, sneering. 

            "Will you just listen to me?   Harry and Hermione must begin spending time together again and become friends again.  If they do, Hermione may be able to break out of her shell from being with an old friend.  And Harry, well, Harry will realize that the meaning of life is not quidditch."  Lupin paused, looking eagerly at his colleagues.

            Dumbledore spoke up, "I think we should allow Professor Lupin to continue putting Harry and Hermione into classroom situations in which they must work together.  But only in class are they to be paired together.  And don't tell either of them about this."

            The teachers exchanged glances.  Once the headmaster had had his say, it was final.  Very few people had the desire to argue with him.  It just wasn't done.

*April 28, 2002 – 4:30 PM – Hogwarts – Library

            Hermione sat alone at one of the long study tables in the library.  She was pouring through a book on the Impediment curse, hoping to find some information that would help her develop it's counter curse.  Harry, who had simply told her to pick any curse they both knew, wasn't there.  He must be at quidditch practice or something, Hermione told herself, Well, either that or he's talking to one of his many fan clubs.  Honestly, I haven't seen Harry Potter in the library since the Tri-wizard Tournament in our fourth year.  Of course, that was a long time ago. Harry and I were still best friends then.  And Ron...  Well Ron was still around too.  Disgusted, Hermione realized her mind had wandered from her book.  She shoved it violently across the table and took out the small book that served as her diary.

*Hermione's diary

Dear Diary,

            I suppose that very few people know Ron Weasley had a girl who was in love with him before he died.  Actually, Ron Weasley didn't know either, until a few minutes before his death.  I was that girl.  People asked me after that year – did you really like Viktor Krum?  Why'd you split up with him?  Of course I didn't!  I just wanted to make Ron jealous of him.  And it worked didn't it?  Just not in the way I had wanted it to.         

            I remember the day of the last uprising.  The battle was long, but finally Harry stood over the limp body of Voldemort – the wizard who had terrorized us all for decades.  I hardly noticed.  I was with Ron, who had fallen at the beginning of the whole battle and was weakening fast.  I knew I was going to lose him, so I just bent down and I whispered three words in his ear.  I.  Love.  You.  Just as simple as that.  And he looked up at me, and smiled weakly.  He said something like 'I love you too, Hermione.  It's a shame that we aren't going to get to do something about it.'  A few minutes later he died.  The entire love story down the drain.

            That's why I'm the way I am now, I reckon.  Because I lost something the day I watched the boy I love die in my arms.  I don't quite know what.  So now I'm just waiting.  Just waiting for the rain.

                                                                        Hermione

a/n: Wasn't that just ducky?  Ok, here's the deal.  Review and I'll update.  Update, and you'll review.  (lol, anyone who has seen Sweeney Todd: "Stop or I will fire,"  "Fire and I will stop" – Anthony Hope and Jonas Fogg) Anyway, I am looking for A Beta reader.  This job involves critiquing my writing for errors in the plot or mechanical errors.  (it also means you get to read new chapters earlier than everyone else...)  So if you are interested in the job, please e-mail me (Katz71090@aol.com) With your ff.net screen name (or whatever you want to be recognized as), your e-mail address, and some info as to why you would like to be the beta (that sounds like a really corny essay contest, but deal with it)  BTW – Gethsemane:  if you are reading this and are interested in beta-ing yet another one of my strange and peculiar fics, please e-mail me.