Chapter Four
By Ponderer
'Can't Make You Love Me'
Hermione had never been so busy with her work before that week. She wasn't used to being swamped with paperwork, other than her Hogwarts days, but she still usually enjoyed that but sitting there on the floor, papers thrown about her, she wanted to rip out every strand of her hair. Luckily, both Ron and Harry were away, leaving her the place to herself while she tried to work, yet concentrating seemed not to be what she was doing. It took her five minutes to read one sentence, and another half hour to finish one whole side of one paper. And it was because of Harry.
Every since Christiana had left, he'd been an absolute wreck. He'd only leave the house when he had work, or perhaps to see Sirius, but usually he stayed on the couch in his jeans and sweatshirt, watching some TV marathon. It bugged her that she didn't know how to help him, because back in the day they were triumphant in solving each other's problems. Mostly Hermione had stuck to the more girl stuff, and feelings, while Ron strayed to helping out with anything else Harry had been coming across; anything that Harry didn't want Hermione to know. She knew deep down that Ron and Harry had a special bond between them that she would never share. Sure, it had hurt her once in awhile when they would be talking about something as she walked into the room but abruptly stopped when they saw her there. But, she got over it, knowing no matter what bond they had, they also shared one with her. And what confused her was, neither bond was working. Neither Hermione nor Ron had any idea how to help Harry, and it killed them both not knowing what to do. They felt incredibly helpless, and it only made them feel worse.
On the fortunate side, Christiana had called at least five times that week, and Harry had been so happy when he heard her voice. He knew she was still thousands of miles away, but just knowing that she was okay and still his, he was okay, but only for the span of their conversations. Once they hung up, he would slowly return to his room, not coming out until necessary.
Sighing deeply, Hermione tried to look back at her papers. Picking up the top pile, she began to gather them up, knowing full well she wouldn't be able to concentrate, let alone think, without helping Harry in some way. Hearing the phone ring postponed her from doing so, and she ran to the kitchen where the phone sat on the table. Breathless, she answered, "Hello?"
"Hermione? Hello, it's Christiana," the woman said silkily, her voice making Hermione smile.
"Oh, hello. How's Australia?"
"Oh, it's wonderful. I hate leaving here, but tomorrow we're off to the US for about three weeks. New York sounds very interesting," Christiana answered.
"That sounds nice. How are you doing?" Hermione asked more softly, not knowing how her friend actually felt as she had never really spoke to her over the phone. Harry would always answer the phone and would hang up before anyone else had the chance to so Hermione had no idea how Christiana was feeling.
"I'm doing brilliantly Hermione. I wish you all were here with me," she answered gaily and Hermione was surprised. Was she not worried of Harry at all? Maybe she didn't know how he felt. Harry usually did hide his feelings. "How about you and the others?"
"Ron's fine, as well as Lavender. They've been fighting less, which is nice to my ears," Hermione paused, listening to her friend's laugh.
"Ooh, that sounds wonderful. I sure miss those two. And the twins especially. I don't know how I've survived without their antics. Well, how about you? How's work and all?" Christiana continued, and Hermione didn't know what to say. Usually, she answered right back without thought, especially on how she was feeling. But in this case, she wasn't sure what to reply. Sure, she thought Christiana had the right to know what was going on, but Harry would have told her, wouldn't he?
"Well, to be honest I…" Hermione started to explain but was interrupted when Harry came through the door, his expression weary as usual. When he saw her on the phone, his eyes lit up in anticipation. "Oh, Harry just came home. I'm sure he would love to talk to you. It was nice talking to you," she answered before offering the phone to Harry, who was smiling as if he was the luckiest man on the Earth.
"Christiana? Oh, of course I miss you darling…" he drawled, making his way to his room for more privacy. Hermione sighed once his door shut softly, knowing full well he'd be back to being depressed once the phone conversation was over. Gathering all her belongings from the floor, she carried them rather clumsily to her study where she piled the papers on her over-crowded desk. Figuring she'd be able to concentrate a bit more now, she went about her work, flinging through each paper like nothing in the world mattered. Finally feeling she was accomplishing something, Hermione grinned to herself and decided to turn on some music. Hearing some soothing music brought her back down to earth from her work sense and the concern of Harry came back to her. She could hear his deep voice coming from across the hall, saying sweet little nothings to Christiana. A feeling in her stomach quirked when she heard Harry say he loved her before hanging up. She had no idea why she felt that little quirk, but figured it was sympathy and went back to her work.
Harry walked back into the living room a few hours later, looking exhausted. Hermione was currently in the kitchen, talking on the phone excitedly to one of her work friends about some date she had that night. She had completely forgotten about it since she had been so worried about Harry lately. "Oh it's wonderful Elizabeth, I don't know why I've never considered seeing Stephen until now. *pause* Yes, he is a sweetheart. And the way he asked me out, I don't know. It's just something I've never dreamt about I suppose. It's rather silly I act this way isn't it? *pause* Yes, it's true, he's worth it…"
Harry felt bad for listening to her conversation but couldn't pull himself away. Where Hermione was standing, she couldn't see Harry so he felt safe in where he was so he wouldn't be noticed. He hadn't known Hermione was interested in someone else, let alone that she was dating. And she had a date that night? Why hadn't she said anything to him? Blankly confused, he shook his head, deciding not to invade her privacy anymore. He had his own problems to think about. Christiana had been so happy on the phone, talking animatedly about her trip and how much fun she was having. It seemed like she wasn't missing him much at all. His brain told him she was just being occupied with other matters, so she didn't have time to worry about him and he decided to do the same. He'd just get himself something to do. Feeling confident with himself, he entered the kitchen, ready to meet the world with a big smile, he watched as Hermione ended her conversation.
"Why are you smiling Harry?" she asked teasingly, inside being very glad to see him smile.
"I'm going out tonight, would you like to come?" he asked, his smile never leaving his face. It took Hermione a moment, before shaking her head sadly.
"I'm sorry Harry but I have a date tonight," she replied.
"Well why don't you bring him along? I'll get Ron and Lavender to come along. It'll be a nice night. And I have yet to meet this…" he went on, not knowing his name.
"Stephen?" Hermione put in.
"Yes, Stephen. I would gladly meet him. But, if you two wish to be alone tonight, it's fine. I was just thinking we haven't been out this week so I thought it would be fun," Harry shrugged. Hermione watched him carefully, to see if he was pulling something. He looked confident if anything, perhaps begging for her to come along. Harry, noticing her strange looks, grabbed onto her hands and smiled playfully, pouting his lips slightly. "Please?"
It only took that look of his to win her over, and he knew it. It had been one of Hermione's weaknesses ever since their Hogwarts days. "Okay, just let me call him and tell him the change of plans," she grinned, pulling away from his hands, before dialing Stephen's number.
Neither new what would happen that night, nor the results.
Author's Note: Sorry this chapter took so long to get out. I kinda lost track of what was going on and such. But, here it is! A new chapter! Look out for the next, the group date! I wonder what will happen. And who's this Stephen character? You'll just have to wait and find out! Please review!!!
-- Ponderer
