A/N: Here it is. I apologize for the delay; I haven't had time to post it. I had it done almost four days ago; I just couldn't find time to post it. Not nonetheless here it is, and I hope you enjoy it.
Notations: /Thoughts/
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Harry was still pretty tired from the meeting last night with Professor Dumbledore, when he woke up the next morning. After getting dressed and heading down to the common room, he found Ron and Hermione were waiting for him. "Harry, what took you so long last night?" came a concerned voice from Hermione. "Yeah, we waited for quite some time?" came Ron.
"Sorry. The meeting with Dumbledore took longer than I expected. Sorry for worrying you guys." replied Harry, remembering that Dumbledore told him not to tell anyone about the Order. He knew that Dumbledore trusted him, and Harry wasn't going to go back on the trust.
"Well what did you talk about?" asked Ron wondering what they could have possibly talked about for so long. Harry hesitated in answering Ron's question, since he had to think of a good answer that would satisfy Ron. However Hermione and Ron picked up on his hesitation, because they knew if was anything ordinary he would answer right away, but Harry didn't.
"Um. I really can't tell you right now. Come on, we better get down to breakfast before class starts." Harry replied and trying to change the subject. But his two friends only became more interested in trying to find out what he was hiding, as they followed him out of the common room.
While down at breakfast as Harry was looking at his schedule, he pointed out to Ron and Hermione that they had Hagrid's class three times a week. This pleased them a lot now they could talk to him more often. But this did slightly worry them since they knew about Hagrid's love of creatures, sometimes they were a little too scared to find out what they were going to learn. As they approached Hagrid's hut later in the day with the rest of the class, they noticed that in front of it were four unicorns trotting around. Just than Hagrid came out of his hut, and saw that class was already to start.
"Ah. I see that most of the class is here, so I'll start. I decided to continue our lesson on war unicorns but in less detail, and just stay on unicorns in general. As I am sure some of you have noticed, these four unicorns are the same one as last time. Now are there any questions before I continue?" asked Hagrid to his class. "Yes?" he pointed to Lavender.
"I remember you saying that unicorns only approach virgin maidens?" She asked.
"Yes." Answered Hagrid. "Than why was Harry able to approach them and not only pet them, but ride them also?" asked Lavender again, the other students from the class supported her as well, since they wanted to know too.
"Well, that is a very good question. They're not, and as to why they did. You're guess is as good as mine." Replied Hagrid, since he himself didn't know the answer.
Harry could hear snickering from behind him, and he recognized it belonging to Draco Malfoy. "Stupid oaf. Doesn't even know the answer, and he's the CoMC teacher. They should fire him and find someone who actually knows how to teach a class." This made Harry very annoyed, and he turned around to face Malfoy.
"Shut your mouth Malfoy. So what, if Hagrid doesn't know the answer to Lavender's question, you think you can do better?" Harry said, a bit louder than intended, but still angry at Malfoy for acting like he knew everything. Now Ron and Hermione were facing Malfoy, since they too heard his comment about their friend. None of them notice that the class was looking at them since they heard Harry's angry voice.
"Why should I shut my mouth? I think I have a prettily reasonable answer, but I doubt that you would admit to it." said Malfoy, smirking.
"What are you talking about, you prat? And admit to what?" asked Harry narrowing his eyes at Malfoy.
"Well everyone knows that unicorns only go up to 'virgin maidens', I can believe that you're the first part, since you can't possibly be good enough for any girl. But the second part, well I don't know. Are you hiding something from us, Potter?" asked Malfoy smiling, and his two cronies chuckled. Harry at this point was at his boiling point and was ready to hex Malfoy to oblivion. But was stopped by the loud cry of horse and stomping hooves. The entire class turned around to see the four unicorns were now charging at them, with their heads down and their horns pointed in front of them. Most of the students including Ron and Hermione scattered hoping to avoid getting impaled by the horns, only Harry remained where he was standing. Malfoy and his two goons split into three different directions, but that didn't help them. The main unicorn stopped next to Harry, while the other three continued to chase after the three students, who were screaming like girls. As they were being chased, Harry couldn't help but laugh at Malfoy and soon the rest of the class joined him, since they found it funny as well, even the other Slytherins were laughing.
After about ten minutes of chasing the three unicorns came back to Harry, who greeted and thanked them for the good laugh. The four unicorns were again milling close to Harry as they did before. Hagrid cleared his throat to catch Harry's attention, "Um, Harry since the unicorns seem to trust you. Do you think it's alright if the girls could go up to them, while the boys sit on the side and watch for obvious reasons, except you of course?" Harry looked at the head unicorn and asked, "Is it alright with you?" The seemed to consider it a first and nodded her head to say it was okay. Hagrid who saw the unicorns respond called to the class, and gave them their instructions. All of the girls moved closer to the unicorns and Harry noticed a few that lagged behind, of course he knew what that meant but he didn't say anything. Those that did come up to the unicorns were enjoying themselves as they petted them. And the boys just lounged around near Hagrid's hut to watch. Harry just stayed with the head unicorn of the group as they watch the others, till someone came up beside him. Harry looked to see that it was Hermione, "This one seems to only want to be near you it."
"Yeah, I don't still know why though. I mean technically, I shouldn't even be able to get near a unicorn." said Harry as he stroked the unicorn's shiny mane. Hermione stared at the unicorn and then Harry; she herself didn't understand it either. Both of them turned their heads when they heard laughing to see that some of the girls were riding the other three unicorns. Harry and Hermione turned their heads again when they heard a shuffling sound next to them to see the head unicorn was kneeling down. Harry knew instantly that she wanted him to get on for anther ride, and he got on happily. But was surprised that she didn't stand up, both he and Hermione were confused now. Than Harry realized that she was still waiting for someone else to get on, and he turned to Hermione and grinned, "I think she's waiting for you." Hermione snapped her head up and looked at Harry as if she wasn't sure on what she just heard. Hermione continued to stare at Harry while he just smiled at her, "Well?"
"I don't know." replied Hermione nervously eyeing the unicorn, and remembering her experience on Buckbeak during their third year.
"Come on, Hermione. I know you're nervous, don't worry. If anything happens and if you should happen to fall, I'll be there to catch. I promise." Harry said to Hermione in the most caring and heartfelt voice. At that moment Harry realized just how serious he meant that promise. He knew that if anything happened to Hermione, he would never forgive himself. At the same time when Hermione heard that promise, she looked into Harry's eyes and saw nothing that would give her any doubt about that promise that he just made.
"All right." said Hermione smiling as she nervously got on and sat behind Harry like they did when they were on Buckbeak. The unicorn stood up suddenly and startling Hermione making her feel like she was about to fall off, and she did the first thing that came to her mind 'grab on to something'. She quickly tightened her hold on Harry. "Hermione. Not that I'm complaining or anything, but could you loosen up a bit. I need to breath." Harry choked out as he was being squeezed to death by Hermione's death grip. She immediately loosened her grip, but still kept a firm hold with her arms still around Harry. "Sorry." She said as she blushed, turning her head away so Harry didn't see her face. "It's alright. Just hold on to me." replied Harry, as he turned his attention back to the unicorn. In truth, Harry actually liked it when Hermione tightened her hug on him. For Harry when it happened he felt safe with someone's arms around him, even though he couldn't breath.
The unicorn started slowly walking around with Harry and Hermione on her back allowing her new passenger time to get use to riding her. As the Harry was enjoying himself, with being on the unicorn again, he wasn't aware that his riding partner was even looking at him and smiling. Hermione always like Harry since their first year, after the troll incident and over the years their friendship was gotten stronger, since last year when Harry and Ron weren't talking to each other. Her friendship with Harry had gotten so strong that she just felt more relax and comfortable with being around Harry. Ever since that kiss she gave him, not was the same. During the entire summer, all she thought about was Harry. And now here she was holding Harry so close and riding one of the most peaceful and beautiful creatures' there was in the world with him. By she had gotten use to the unicorns' walking and was simply enjoying the ride, as laid her head on his back feeling very content. / Why do I feel so comfortable like this, with Harry? For some reason everything doesn't seem to matter, now that I'm with Harry. / Harry felt her head on his back and tilted his head to see that Hermione was relaxing on his back. He smiled at seeing her enjoying herself and his heart lifted. Harry just than got an idea. A huge grin slowly crawled across his face, as he lean forward a bit and yelled, "YAH!"
Ron was sitting with the rest of the boys since they weren't able to get near the unicorns, except Harry apparently. He watched the girls pet the three unicorns that chased Malfoy and his group, and noticed that the larger unicorn was staying next to Harry. Hermione soon came up to Harry and started talking. After about a minute the unicorn kneeled down and Harry climbed on, and then Hermione climbed on after the unicorn didn't get up. / I guess it wants her to get on as well. / He thought, as he watched the unicorn stand up and start walking around. He saw that Hermione was really enjoying herself as she rode with Harry on the unicorn. Ron noticed after she laid her head down on Harry's back, he saw a huge grin appear on his face. / Oh uh. / was all Ron was able to think before he heard Harry yell, "YAH!"
Hermione screamed when she suddenly felt the unicorn beneath her jump into a sprint and then into a full gallop. She tightened her grip around Harry as she saw trees from the forest whiz by in a blur. She could also hear Harry laughing as she screamed and she knew instantly that he planned this little event. "Harry James Potter!" she yelled at the back of his head, with his ponytail getting in her face. He turned his head and had the biggest smile that Hermione had ever seen. / I can't believe he's finding this funny. Scaring me to death like this. But boy what a cute smile…/ Hermione practically melted at seeing his smile, it was the first real one that she had seen since school started, he had been a little depressed lately and it was starting to worry her. But right now her main concern was getting off the unicorn or at least get it to stop. "When we get off, I am going to kill you!" yelled Hermione, but couldn't help but smile also. Harry continued to laugh and smile, he than turned his attention in front of them again and leaned even further onto the unicorn. This seemed to make the unicorn run even faster than it was already going, and all Hermione could do was hold on tighter around Harry as their robes were billowing out fiercely behind them and shut her eyes. But actually Hermione was wishing that they didn't stop, holding on to Harry felt so right to her. Hermione was so content feeling like this, that she didn't even notice that they turned around and were heading back to Hagrid's hut, until they came to a sudden stop in the front yard with the rest of the unicorns.
When she opened her eyes and looked up and was about to tell Harry off for pulling a stunt like that, but couldn't because he jumped off at that moment. Harry looked up and smiled at Hermione and could see that she was a little peeved, about what he did. But he ignored it and offered his hand to help her down. She on the other hand decided that she could get down just fine, by herself. Unfortunately for Hermione, her legs were a little shaky from riding the unicorn, since they had lost feeling. When she hit the ground; she wobbled for a moment than collapsed into Harry's arms. Harry saw that she was about to fall and went to catch her; unfortunately the angle that he caught her couldn't support both of them. So they both fell to the ground, with Hermione landing on top of Harry and in each other's arms. When they regained the barring, both of them sudden realized the position that they were in. After surveying their current predicament they looked at each other, blushing furiously. Suddenly to Harry and Hermione some unknown force was bringing their faces together, or more precisely their lips. Just as their lips were about to meet, Harry suddenly felt something wet slide across his cheek. He quickly drew back from Hermione and saw the unicorn they just were riding had licked his face and was staring at them.
"Thanks a lot. I really needed that." said Harry sarcastically, however he couldn't help but smile as he wiped his cheek. After wiping his cheek he helped Hermione get off of him, so they could stand up. Hermione on the other hand was still thinking about what almost happened. / Oh my god. I can't believe what almost happened. I nearly kiss Harry, my best friend. If I did kiss him, it would've ruined our friendship. I can't let that happen. / When they finally separated and straightened themselves out a bit, they saw that class was over. Ron joined them as they walk up to the castle to go to their next class for the day, with Hermione still thinking about what happened.
The days passed in a blur. The weekend that Harry had scheduled for the quidditch team tryouts, he was surprised that there were more people than he expected, most of them in his year. He was pleased to see that Ron was there as he said he would be, and was even surprised that Ginny was trying out also. After the team was ready, he gave his instructions to those who would be trying out for the Keeper position. There were three people trying for it, Ron being one of them. After they each had their trial session, it was clear to Harry and the rest of the team that Ron was the best. Harry than went to judge the tryouts for the other positions since, next year the entire would have graduated leaving only him and the new keeper. Harry was really impressed that Ginny was trying for Chaser, and he thought that she would possible make a decent Seeker too, should anything happen to him. However she was superb playing as Chaser. Harry announced that after dinner tonight that, he would put up the list of people who made it for their position they were trying for. When Ron asked how he did and what were his chances Harry answered while smiling, "Ron, you did very good. But you know I can't play favorites when I have to choose who makes the team." in a straight voice. Ron heard the tone of Harry's voice and his heart dropped, until he saw the smile on his face and it was all the Ron needed to know that he made the team. Upon seeing Harry's smiling face, Ron's heart was a light as a feather. Harry was glad that Ron was finally getting something that he was good at, and he was going to get some spotlight for once in this life.
Time passed on and the days went by, however Hermione kept thinking back to the unicorn-riding incident where she nearly kissed Harry. Part of her actually wanted to kiss him there since they were so close. While the other part was saying that she shouldn't because it would ruin their friendship and what if he couldn't return her feelings she had for him. However what she didn't know was that Harry was thinking the same thing as she was, about the incident and was fighting with his mind as well. Both Harry and Hermione tried to put it out of their minds. But the more they ignored it, the more they thought about it when they were together. In classes though Harry was getting better as was his spells, they were more powerful than what they should be for someone his age. One such incident was during DADA class; Professor Figg took out a suitcase, which contained a boggart. Of course when it was Harry's turn it turned into a dementor so he conjured his patronus. But this time his patronus was larger than it normally was, and it had a glowing gold aura coming off it, instead of it's usual silvery color. Needless to say, Harry, Professor Figg, and the entire class were shocked and impressed. / Great. Just what I need more attention. / Harry thought when the class came to an end. As Dumbledore requested all of Harry's teachers reported on anything about Harry.
It was the first week of October, Harry and his friends were eating dinner when Dumbledore stood up and the Great Hall became silent. "I would like to announced that on the 31st of this month, we will be having our traditional Halloween Feast. But once the feast is over, the teachers and I have agreed that a small dance will take place after. This is open to all students. Since it is a small friendly gathering and dance, partners are not required. But I do hope that some of you will dance with someone. Thank you." After Dumbledore's announcement was done, the entire hall was loud again with conversation.
"Isn't that great, they're having a dancing after the Halloween Feast. And, we don't need to bring a date, to be there. Isn't that great Harry?" asked Ron, who was excited since now he didn't have to go around trying to find a date. But he didn't receive an answer from Harry and looked to see why. Harry at that moment was in deep thought. / A dance sounds pretty nice; it will certainly lighten my mood. Maybe before the Halloween Feast I can ask Hermione, if she would like to join me. / "Harry? Harry?!" Harry was broken out of his thoughts by Ron's shouting voice.
"Bloody hell, Ron. Do you have to shout so bloody loud? I right here!" said Harry in a rather annoyed voice. Rubbing his hand to his ear to try and massage it, and than see if he could hear at all.
"Sorry. It's just you didn't answer my question. And when I turned to see why, you were staring off into space. Just like Hermione is right now, over there." replied Ron, showing that he did meant to yell in his ear. Harry turned to look at Hermione at see her suddenly come out of her deep thinking, much like how Harry was a few moments ago. But what they didn't know was that Hermione was thinking the same thing that Harry was thinking only, she was wondering if he was going to ask her to the dance. But they didn't get to continue their conversation as the rest of the Gryffindors started leaving the Great Hall to go up to the tower, too turn in for the night. Along though the whole way up to the tower, Harry and Hermione were stealing glances at each other when they thought the other wasn't looking.
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Harry was walking around in the halls of the school and he groaned mentally. / No. Not again. Not this dream again. / Suddenly the scenery changed, he was watching everything like a movie. But the scenes never lasted long enough for him to make out where he was. Except that he could see Hogwarts students and teachers milling around and having a good time. Harry guessed that it some kind of celebration party, but he couldn't till what time of the year it was to be for sure of anything. Suddenly his vision darkened and when it cleared. Harry could hear screaming, it was students who were screaming in pain and fear. He quickly looked around to see the floor and walls were damaged and smoke was coming from everywhere. Harry was barely able to breath when he saw a group students came sprinting through like they were running for their lives. Than a group of black robed men came barreling through the same corridor, and he recognized them as Death Eaters. Death Eaters were attacking the school. As Harry tried to follow them he went pass another corridor and suddenly stopped in his tracks. He turned back to find bodies on the ground, all of them were dead. All of them were students whom he recognized passing in the halls during the year so far. Some of them had gashes on them and most were bleeding on their arms, legs, and faces. He could tell that most of them were killed with the Killing Curse. As he slowly walked through the corridor, tears were now pouring down his face as he looked upon their faces. Some of them were in their first year at Hogwarts, this caused Harry to collapse to the ground. / This is all my fault. All of them are dead because of me. Because of me, Voldemort was returned and now this is the result. Everyone is now dead. / "This is all my fault." Harry sobbed as the tears continued to run down his face. Suddenly he heard a scream of a girl a little down the hall. He looked out to see a two Death Eaters were holding a hold a girl from escaping, even though his eyes were blurry he could tell it was Hermione. Than he came into view pointing his wand at Hermione. Voldemort stepped closer to her, and Harry wanted to run up to stop him but for some reason he could move. When Voldemort's wand was pressed up against her chest, he turned around to look at Harry and smiled. Without even turning back he said the deadly words. A flash a green light engulfed Hermione's and she than fell to the floor lifeless. "No. No. No! NO!" Harry said softly at first and yelled at the end at seeing Hermione fall to the floor. Now his tears were falling freely from his eyes.
"Your right Potter. This is all your fault. You are the reason they are all dead." said Voldemort smirking as he approached Harry who was still on the floor. He watched Voldemort slowly raise his wand. "Goodbye Potter." Harry just closed his eyes, because he knew what was going to happen next and there was nothing he could do about. / I'm sorry. I'm sorry for letting this happen. I'm sorry Hermione. / He heard the words and was able to see the flash of light, even with his eyes closed.
Harry spring up in this bed, and was able to stop himself from screaming aloud. He quickly looked around to find that he was in his four-poster bed in the Gryffindor tower. He felt like he run a 20-mile marathon none stop, since he was sweating profoundly, and everything he wore was completely drenched. But his emotions at the moment were a complete jumble. He felt guilty, sad, and lost. Harry thought about telling his dream to Dumbledore, but he wasn't sure about anything on his dream. And he was certain that Dumbledore couldn't do anything about him dreaming what he did anyway. Harry started having this night was several days now and wasn't getting much sleep thanks to it. He would end up staying up for hour thinking about it, and eventually when he got tired enough to sleep it was time to get up. He was afraid that if he went to sleep again, he would watch the massacre of Hogwarts. Harry was slowly starting to question his sanity.
However today was different, today was the quidditch match between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Harry had been training them team hard, but not as hard as Wood did. Which they were thankful for, but they did work just as hard as they did than. Harry got up and got dress, when he was finished he grabbed his Quidditch robes and broom. After leaving the dorm room, he went to the common room to see that it was empty. He decided to try and finish what homework he could since it was a weekend. As he sat there doing his Charms, his mind kept wondering to Hermione. He still hadn't gathered the courage to ask her if she like to go with him to the dance, even though partners were required. He wanted to tell her about his feeling for her, ever since see saw her at Diagon Alley something in him clicked, and then there was the unicorn incident to him it felt so comfortable to have her with him when they were riding. Harry continued his Charms homework and was able to finish it, just when the common room was starting to fill with students who were excitedly talking about today's quidditch match.
Harry waited for Ron and Hermione to join him in the common room before they went down to breakfast. Ron came down first carrying his quidditch robes and his Nimbus 2000, which was given to him by his parents as a late congratulations gift for making prefect. He was smiling proudly, since it was his first official quidditch match and he was very excited. About a minute later Hermione came down greeting both of them. Both of them greeted her back, but Hermione notice that Harry seemed at bit out of it. "Harry, are you alright? You look like you didn't get much sleep." She asked in a concerned voice. / If only you knew. / Harry thought as he looked into her eyes and tried to put on a cheery face.
"I am fine, don't worry." Harry said in a forced happy voice. However Hermione could see that he was lying, something was bothering him and he wasn't telling anyone. But she left it alone when Harry grabbed both her and Ron to go down to breakfast. Down at breakfast everyone was talking about the match. Harry was hungry and he knew that he needed energy to play today, but when he looked at his meal images from his nightmare flashed in his mind and he suddenly lost his appetite. He pushed his plate away, and Hermione noticed it.
"Harry why aren't you eating. You know that you're going to need you strength to play quidditch today." She said with concern in voice.
"I know. I just suddenly lost my appetite." replied Harry not looking up at her. He didn't want her to see the pain and sorrow in his face from remembering his dream.
"Well at least eat something. Please?" asked Hermione, trying to encourage him. Harry knew that if he didn't at least eat something, she wouldn't leave the subject alone. So he ate a few pieces of toast and drank some juice. He was hoping that none of it came back up during the match. After Harry was done, he told Ron and Hermione that he was going to the locker rooms.
After arriving to the locker rooms, Harry changed in to his Quidditch robes and sat on one of the bench. While he sat there, he tried to clear his mind of everything. He wanted to just focus on the match today and nothing else. After fifteen minutes of relaxing in the locker room, the rest of the team slowly started filing in. They were all excited about their first quidditch match of the season. Harry couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm and energy they were all giving off. Once they were done cheering, Fred and George wanted Harry to give them a pep talk. "I thought you two hated it, when Wood gave us a pep talk? And now you want me to give one?" asked Harry wondering why on earth they wanted him to do that. He could clearly remember when Wood gave them a pep talk; it instead put everyone to sleep.
"Come on Harry." said Fred
"Just do it, it is tradition," continued George, smiling.
"Yeah, we won't asleep." finished Fred, also smiling.
"All right if you two insist. Um. Okay, team…" started Harry, but he stopped when he heard the sound two people snoring loudly. He turned his attention back to Fred and George, who were sleeping. Harry rolled his eyes. / Those two honestly. / This earned some giggling from the rest of the team, and Fred and George knowing that everyone was laughing at them. Harry on the other hand grabbed his broom and with wooden end knocked the two them on the head. This caused the two to recoil in pain after being hit on the head. Now everyone was really laughing at them, and they joined in after a few seconds of rubbing the top of the heads. "All right team. Let's go." instructed Harry, he was laughing so hard that he forgot about his nightmare and troubles as they headed for the gates to fly out on to the quidditch field.
Harry and his team approached the gates; he could hear Lee Jordan one of the twins' friends finishing his announcement for the Ravenclaw team. Everyone mounted their brooms waiting for the gates to be opened, and right on cue when they opened the team flew out and Lee started his announcement of the Gryffindor team.
"HERE COMES
THE GRYFFINDOR TEAM, LEAD BY THEIR NEW CAPTIAN AND SEEKER HARRY POTTER." Everyone in the Gryffindor stands erupted
with cheers.
"FOLLOWED BY KATIE BELL,
ANGELINA JOHNSON, ALICIA SPINNET, FRED WEASLEY, GEORGE WEALSEY, AND THEIR
NEWEST MEMBER ON THE TEAM RON WEASLEY THEIR NEW KEEPER." Again the stand erupted with cheers and
clapping
After flying around a few times Harry and the rest of the team took up their positions. Harry could see that Ron was a little nervous, and he smiled at him trying to tell him not to worry. Ron returned the smile. Madame Hooch gave her usual speech and released the snitch and two bludgers. He handled the quaffle, looked up and tossed it into the air. Right where the quaffle stopped moving upward was a fury of swirling color of chasers trying to get the quaffle. Harry though wasn't paying any attention to them or Lee's announcements; he was concentrating on finding the snitch. He couldn't find it anywhere, from where he was so he pulled his broom upward so he could get a better vantage point. He was aware that Cho was keeping a careful eye on him, while still looking out for the snitch herself. Harry wondered if she believed those rumors that he murdered Cedric, he certainly hoped she didn't. Harry closed out all the noise and tried to listen for the high pitch humming of the snitch's wings. He opened his eyes again when Lee's voice boomed across the pitch, saying that Cho spotted the snitch. Harry was watching her but still didn't move, which Lee noticed and was kindly enough to announce it over the pitch, so now everyone was wondering why Harry wasn't chasing after Cho. "Harry! What do you think, you're doing?" screamed Ron from his position.
Harry just ignored him, for some reason his mind was telling him not to move, but just wait. Harry closed his eyes again, and heard from Lee that Cho had lost sight of the snitch. Suddenly Harry had the flapping wings of the snitch getting louder very fast. Some instinct suddenly told him, 'NOW!' and snapped out his hand. He quickly closed it around something when it hit his hands. Harry could feel it struggle and wings flapping, he wasn't even sure what he caught since his eyes were closed for all he knew it was a small bird. When he opened his eyes to see what it was, Harry was shocked which nearly caused him to fall off his broom. He couldn't believe it; in his hand was a small struggling golden ball with wings. The snitch. He caught the snitch Harry couldn't believe it. Just than Madame Hooch whistle was blown signaling that the match was over. "UNBELIEVEABLE! HARRY POTTER WAS CAUGHT SNITCH, MAKING GRYFFINDOR THE WINNERS!" Lee's voice cheered over the pitch, being damped by all of the clapping and cheering of the students.
Harry landed on the ground and was surrounded by his house team and house members clapping him on the back. Harry was so happy; he didn't notice Cho walk up to him until she called his name. Harry looked at Cho wondering if she was going to accuse him of something. But was relieved when she smiled and said, "Good game Harry. That was an impressive catch. I would like to know how you did that someday?"
"Thanks Cho." Harry smiled back, but truthfully he didn't know how he caught the snitch either. Unknown to Harry at that moment, Hermione had just gotten through the crowd making her way to Harry. She wanted to congratulate him, and possible ask him to the dance. But stopped the moment she saw Harry and Cho talking and smiling at each other. She knew that Harry had a crush on Cho since their third year, and now she was worried. / What if he still does have a crush on her? What if he asks her? / Hermione thought as more questions popped into her head. When Harry called her name, she immediately snapped out of her thoughts. After walking up to Harry she congratulated him and gave him a hug. / Well at least I can give him a hug, if he doesn't have feelings for me. / She thought as Harry returned the hug. / This feels so right. But I want to tell her how I feel about her. / Suddenly images of the nightmare flashed in his mind. / NO! No, I won't let that happen. I refuse to allow that to happen, I'll protect all of everyone here. Especially you, Hermione. Even if you might not return my feelings for you. / As both Harry and Hermione were thinking this they were still in their embrace, neither of them really wanting to get out of it. After they separated Fred and George's voices roared, "PARTY TONIGHT!"
The party started after dinner was over, so not many Gryffindors ate a lot. Fred and George went through the secret passage that leads to Honeydukes. After about half an hour the twins returned for shrunken containers filled with butterbeer, food, and sweets. Once the party started everyone was enjoying themselves. All except one person, Harry Potter. He was calmly drinking from his glass mug of butterbeer sitting next to one of the windows, and thinking about the nightmare. He was wondering if this was when the nightmare was suppose to start, everything seemed to fit, people were enjoying themselves and not really caring about anything. This made Harry really nervous, as he slowly drank his drink watching everyone having fun. Remembering the dream was painful for him, he didn't want to be responsible for their deaths. Harry was unaware that thinking about the nightmare was stirring emotions within him and it was making his eyes water. Ron and Hermione looked for Harry and found him sitting alone next to window, and appeared to be not enjoying himself.
"Hey Harry?" asked they asked happily as they stepped in front of him to get his attention. But they never got an answer; instead their question was answered when Harry looked up at them. Harry looked so tired, and his eyes showed sorrow, pain, and fear, he also looked like he was on the verge of tears. Instantly his two friends happy moods were gone. Hermione quickly sat next to him concerned for her friend and asked, "Harry? What's wrong?"
Harry looked back down at his drink. He didn't wanted to tell them, but he knew that if he didn't say something they would never leave him only. Taking a deep breath, he spoke, "Nothing's wrong. I am just remembering something and thinking about it." He tried to sound firm and confident, but he knew it wasn't working. Both Ron and Hermione could see something was wrong.
"Harry. We know that something is bothering you. Come on, you can tell us. You know that." said Hermione, taking his hand and holding it hoping it would ease his nerves. Which it did, they could see that he looked more relaxed now.
"Yeah, I know. But it's nothing, really. You guys are worrying for nothing." Harry took another sip of his butterbeer. "Could we drop the subject, please?" he pleaded hoping that they would. Ron and Hermione could see that they were not going to get anything out of him, and when he asked to drop it there was something in his voice that scared them a little. So they decided to drop the subject as they were asked. As his two friends started to stand up, Harry wanted to talk to Ron a little first, "Ron, can you stay for a minute? I want to talk to you for a minute."
After Hermione left, Ron asked, "So what is it that you wanted to talk to me about, Harry?" Harry nervously answered, "Hermione."
"Okay. What about her?" continued Ron slowly.
"Do you think that she'll go with me to the dance after the feast? Since it is next week." asked Harry stuttering through out his question. Ron just smiled.
"Well. Do you like Hermione?" asked Ron smiling.
"No. I'm just going to asked her to go with me just as friend." answered Harry, turning red in the face. Harry in reality, actually did like Hermione more than just as a friend, ever since 4th year when she stayed by his side when nobody believed or supported him. And now this year, she had grown into one of the most attractive girls in the school. Ever since he saw her in Diagon Alley, he was shocked when he Hermione. She really did become the most beautiful person he'd ever seen. As he remembered that he did have a hard time not looking at her. Harry even saw that quite a few others in the male population were also looking at her, which made him feel uneasy with their eyes on her like that. His feelings grew even more when they were riding the unicorn in Hagrid's class; it felt good with her holding him. But every time his mind would keep telling him. / Don't make your feelings known. You'll ruin your friendship with her. / So Harry decided to keep his feeling to himself. Of course he also knew that Ron had feelings for her as well. And Harry really didn't want to ruin their chances together if they shared each other's feelings, but Ron didn't bring the matter up so he thought maybe there was a chance for him.
After Harry answered Ron's last question, he was unconvinced with the answer. But Ron saw the color change in Harry's face, and that answered his question perfectly. He knew that Harry had feeling for Hermione; he just wouldn't admit it. Of course he wasn't sure about Hermione. "Alright, if you say so." Ron had a very large grin appeared on his face. "I think you should go and ask. I'm certain that she won't say no. You're just going as friends. It's not like your asking her out on a date." said Ron happily.
"Yeah I guess you're right. I think I'll ask her tonight." said Harry, and looking back down at his drink which was nearly empty. As Harry stared at his mug, he was in deep thought. / Maybe I should just tell her about my feelings for her, during the dance. / "And if I don't, I may never get a chance to tell her, before…" he trailed off at the end in a sadden voice, unaware that he said last thoughts aloud. He quickly stood up saying that he was going to refill his drink and that he would see him and Hermione later.
Ron however didn't really hear him when he left. His mind was repeating the last sentence Harry was starting to say but stop. / "And if I don't, I may never get a chance to tell her, before…" His voice. His voice was filled with pain and fear, could it have something to do with what he's not telling us. What is it that you're so afraid of telling us Harry? / Thought Ron as he watched his friend walk away. Ron tried to enjoy the rest of the night, but his mind kept going back to what Harry said, and it was really starting to worry him. It was about 11:00 at night by the time most people left for their dorms. There were less than a dozen people left in the common room now. Harry was slowly drinking the contents of his glass mug still staring out of the window; Ron was finishing his drink when Hermione came up to him. "Ron can I talk you? Privately?" She asked, making sure that Harry didn't hear from where he was sitting. Ron could that she was serious and nodded, suggesting that they go up to his dorm since all of the boys were in the common room. Hermione didn't complain about the idea.
After closing the door to the dorm, they walked over next to Ron's bed to talk. "So what is it, that you want to talk about?" asked Ron sensing that this was serious.
"It's about Harry. I am worried about him. You saw the look in his face and eyes when we went up to him early tonight?" Hermione said in a broken nervous voice leaning against one of the post of Ron's bed.
"Yeah, I saw the look on his face. I'm worried about him too. He says its nothing, but I don't believe him. I think it has something to do with his dreams. Over the past few days I could hear him moving around on his bed, like he's having a nightmare. I think that's what he's not telling us. Whatever it is, it really scares him; I could see it in his eyes. But I think there's something else that he's not telling us." said Ron.
"What do you mean? You don't think it has anything to do with You-Know-Who? He would have gone to Dumbledore if it was." said Hermione who was really worried now that the Dark Lord was brought up.
"I don't know, it might. You remember last year when he was having nightmares about him. The last time he looked like this was last year. And he probably doesn't want to worry anyone, if it does have anything to do with You-Know-Who. You know how he is? He doesn't want to worry anyone. And I think there something else, too. It might have something to do with you, Hermione?" replied Ron slowly looking up to see what Hermione thought. / That' s just like Harry though. He always puts others before himself. / She thought knowing how Harry was.
"Me? Why? What does this have to do with me?" asked Hermione curiously.
"Hermione? This may sound like a rather rude and blunt question. But? Do you like Harry?" asked Ron.
"Yes, I like him." replied Hermione a little confused by Ron asking such a question. "Why do you ask?" Hermione was confused as to why Ron would ask a question like that. / Why did Ron ask that question? True I have feeling for Harry that are more than just friendship. But Harry wouldn't return my feelings toward him. Why would he like me? Why would he like me, a bookworm? /
"Well after you left, Harry want to talk to me. We talked and… we actually talked about you and the dance after the feast. But there was something in his voice that kind of scared me. Especially what he said before he left." said Ron nervously
"Why, what was it?" asked Hermione, wondering if she should hearing this at all.
"Well, I guess it would be alright to tell you…" Ron took a deep breath. "I think something happened in the nightmare he's been having, and something happens to you. Because of what he said, and I quote, 'And if I don't, I may never get a chance to tell her, before…'."
Hermione was confused at this point. "I don't understand. What may he never get a chance to tell me, before? Before what?" She asked. Ron was fighting with himself on whether he should tell her about Harry feelings for her.
"Well I really don't know that's why we have got to find out what he's not telling us." Ron replied since he didn't want to tell Hermione that Harry had feelings for her. "I want to help him. He is my best friend, you know. I want to try and make up for last year during the tri-wizard tournament. I wasn't there to support him when he needed friends, and nobody did but you were there. He trusts you more than any other student here in this school."
"That's very sweet of you, Ron." She said. "You're a good friend you know that?" she said looking up at him and he smiled.
"Yeah I know. I just wish Harry would tell you how he felt about you." / Oh bugger. Harry is going to kill me. / Ron realized as slapped his hand over his mouth but it was too late.
"What did you just say?" asked a shocked Hermione. / Did I just hear Ron correctly? Harry has feelings for me? Why would he, when he could have any girl he wanted in school? /
"Nothing! I said nothing." Ron trying to recover with a confident voice but it was no use.
"Nothing. I heard what you said. You said that you wished Harry would tell me about how he feels about me. Now start talking." Hermione ordered. Seeing that Ron was not going to give, she was going to resort to drastic measures. "If you don't tell me, I'm going to make you sorry." She approached him and was ready to tickle him. She saw Ginny torture him for teasing her about something during her stay at the Burrow during the summer, so now she was going to do the same until she got what she wanted.
Ron saw what was coming and was prepared to run, but it was too late. Hermione had jabbed her fingers into his side and start tickling him. He immediately dropped to his knees and started laughing loudly; he knew that he wouldn't last long. And Hermione was laughing also since she knew he wasn't going to last much longer from watching Ginny. Finally after a few seconds Ron gave up and said he would talk. After seizing her torture, Ron got up and straightened out his clothes and caught his breath.
"Well?" asked an impatient Hermione, tapping her foot on the floor and her arms crossed on her chest.
"Okay. Yes, Harry does have feeling for you. But he won't admit them to them to me" Ron answered calmly and in a low voice, in fear of Hermione's torture technique. Once Ron said that Hermione was lost in her mind. She couldn't believe it Harry did have feeling for her. In all her emotions of happiness she squealed and threw her arms around Ron's neck, in a tight happy hug. However Ron was unprepared for the sudden strong hug and lost his balance. Causing both of them to land on his bed, with him on top of Hermione. After the initiate shock, they looked at each other feeling very embarrassed for a few seconds.
Sudden crash of glass came from where the door was. Still on Ron's bed and together, they turned their heads to see the shocked face of Harry. Both Ron and Hermione could see Harry was having a storm of emotions at that moment. Hermione's heart plummeted to the center of the earth, when she saw Harry's hurt face. Ron instantly felt like he just lost a good friend from the look on Harry's face. They could see it in Harry's eyes, that he was crushed, as a single tear slowly moved down his cheek. Suddenly his face changed to one of angry, and his eyes sent a chill down they're spines.
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Harry was finishing his drink and turned away from the window, breathing a sign of relief that his nightmare didn't come true. He didn't notice that Ron and Hermione left ten minutes ago to talk, since he was staring out the window. He surveyed the room to see that common room was almost deserted, except for a few people mostly 5th year students. He noticed that Ron and Hermione were nowhere to be seen. / I guess they went to bed already. They must have had lot of fun to have, left already. Certainly a lot more than I did. I guess I'll go to sleep already. / Harry thought as he got up to go to the boys dorm. / I guess I can ask Hermione tomorrow. Yeah, that's when I'll do it. I won't wait anymore, I've been putting it off long enough. / Harry continued to think to himself. As he was walking up to the dorms, he could hear to people talking, coming from the 5th year boy dorm. As he got closer he recognized them as Ron and Hermione voices, but he couldn't make out what they were saying. / What are they doing in there? / Harry wondered as he put his ear to the door trying to hear what they were saying.
"That's so sweet of you, Ron." Harry heard Hermione's voice. Shocked by what Hermione said he jerked his ear from the door and took a step back. / Sweet? What's going on in there? / Harry thought as he leaned in again. This time he heard laughing from both Ron and Hermione. This really got Harry's mind running in circles. After staring at the door for a while after the laughing stopped he decided to see what was going on.
When he opened the door he saw something that made his heart stop, and fall to the floor. He saw Ron fall on top of Hermione with her arms around his neck, on to Ron's bed, with both of them staring at each other neither of them noticing him. Harry was so shocked that he didn't realize that he lost his grip of the glass mug he was holding. As it fell to the floor Ron and Hermione still didn't move, until the glass mug crash and shatter on the stone floor. Instantly they heads turned to see Harry there, completely shocked. He could see that they were shocked to see him there in the doorway. They seem to Harry, embarrassed and petrified, not moving from where they were. / I don't believe it. They were… How could they? And I told Ron everything even WHAT I was going to ask Hermione, tonight. And all this time they were together. / Harry thought angrily at his two friends / NO, that's ex-friends. / Harry corrected himself. Harry stared coldly at them, knowing his anger was showing on his face.
"So. This is how it's going to be is it?" Harry said coldly, staring at his two ex-friends. Harry instantly turned on his heel and left, leaving them in the room. He stormed down the stairs, and he ignored his name be called as he left. He stomped his way through the common room, making everyone in the room look up at him as he made he way to the portrait door. Everyone in the common room could see that he angry, but they never ever saw him this angry before, and those who could see, saw that he had tear on his face. As Harry made is way to the portrait door, he wasn't sure what he should be feeling right now. He felt angry, betrayed, sad, and heart-broken. He could feel tears about to make their way down his faces, but he ignored them and the questions form the people in the common room as the slammed the portrait door shut. Making the Fat Lady grumpy from being handled so roughly. Harry ignored her scolding, he needed to be alone for a while and there were very few places in the castle like that. But he needed fresh air and a place to simmer down and relax. He knew instantly where he wanted to go, the Astronomy tower.
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"So. This is how it's going to be is it?" Harry said coldly, staring at his two ex-friends. Harry instantly turned on his heel and left, leaving them in the room. The moment he left from view Hermione was the first realize what just happened.
"Harry, wait?" she cried out, getting off Ron's bed after he got off. They both sprinted to the door, and avoided the broken glass on the floor.
"Harry! Wait it's not what it seems!" shouted Ron as he followed Hermione down the steps. When they arrived in the common room, everyone who was there was looking at them, with curious faces. See that Harry wasn't there Hermione was the first to speak.
"Where's Harry?" she asked hysterically looking at all of them. Nobody answered for about a few seconds.
"Harry was here, a few seconds. He stormed through the common room and went out the portrait. And he looked very, very pissed." Neville replied putting a lot of emphasis on the last 'very.' Hermione's heart fell, as did she to her knees, and tears formed in her eyes, and started to cry. Ron's face fell, he felt so miserable that he didn't even feel like he could look Harry in the eye again. He knew what Harry thought when he enter the dorm room and saw them. He never intended that to happen, in fact nothing did happen and nothing was meant by it. But seeing the look on his friend's face didn't make him feel any better. Just than Hermione stood up and ran up to the girl's dorm room, still crying.
"What happened?" asked Lavender cautiously seeing that something bad must have happened between the three of them. Ron looked up to see that everyone in the common room was staring right at him, waiting for an answer. However Ron couldn't tell them what happened, especially right down. Thankfully everyone could see that he didn't want to talk about it.
"It's all right, you don't have to tell us if you don't want to." This came from Lavender again. Ron only nodded a 'thank you'. He turned around and walked back up to the dormitory. When he came up to the 5th year door, it was still open and the shatter glass was still there. Ron used his wand to clean it up. After changing he climbed into bed, hoping to be able to fall to sleep. Hoping that tomorrow, he would see Harry and try to explain everything. While at the same time Hermione was crying herself to sleep, thinking the same thing.
A/N: WOW! This is one heck of a long chapter. (Breaths) This was certainly fun to write. This will probably be one of the longest chapters I will ever type. This one made 15 pages. YIKES! I don't know if any of the other chapters I am going to type will be this long, this one could be one of those few that do. Or my chapters might end up becoming this long naturally. I really don't know. I do hope you know this chapter. Don't hurt me because of the ending, please?
~PLEASE REVIEW~
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The Red Dragons Order: Thank you for your support. I hope you enjoy my story, as I do yours.
shdurrani: I was certain that I had that in the Diagon Alley chapter. If it isn't there than I'll add that in an upcoming chapter, which I am working on right now.
Angelis: I am glad that you like the unicorn idea. I hoped you liked the one in this chapter. About Harry getting a war unicorn, I was considering that as well. But if I do put it in, it probably won't appear for a while. Sorry.
Phoenix Flight: Atlantis will appear within a few chapters. Don't worry. As for Harry becoming the leader of the order. Well that you'll have to find out. *snicker*