Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Harry Potter or its surrounding
properties; they belong to the wonderful JK Rowling. I own my computer and
my brain.
Twigs; Here we are again, another chapter for you, ah, good times.
Kanga; Here we go. She'll start...*is interrupted*
Harry; hang on, stop insulting Twigs, she's the one who writes us!! She's amazing!!! And what do you do? Nothing! Exactly!
Kanga; yeah, she does write us, but she ain't meant to be writing YOU, here!!!
Harry; oh shut up you stupid British twit.
Kanga; you're British too, you pleb,
Harry; commoner
Kanga; posh git. *Harry and kanga advance towards each other, kanga wielding Mr. Whippy, and Harry his trusty wand, but go for a slap fight instead*
Twigs; children!! Stop!! I forbid you to fight in the fic, if you have to fight, do it out there, and Kanga, I'll take Mr. Whippy back if you can't be responsible. Now behave, we have reviews to address.
Kanga and Harry; yes chief. *Harry vanishes back into the imagination*
Twigs; thanks for all the reviews, they're very much appreciated, we did get some err...worrying ones though. glyph, I don' know what exactly to say to yours but...wanna explain?
Kanga; *reads review and stares open mouthed, confused as usual* You would think I would have picked up on something like that.
Twigs: It's not you Kanga- he's a prick (please pardon my language- this guy just really ticked me off). I have half a mind to remove him- which I might do- so if you readers wanna see it, look now. Warning: Insult me all you want (after all I AM the writer) but insult my beta and I'll come after you. She shouldn't be blamed for my mistakes, she can't correct them all.
Kanga: Thanks! Unfortunately if you went after Twigs- you'd have to deal with me. Obviously constructive criticism is one thing but keep the stupid, unfounded negative comments to yourself. For the sake of Twigs and all she holds dear?
Twigs; umm, Rocky235, I don't really beat Kanga with a whip, aka, Mr. Whippy, it would have to be a very ling whip to reach the UK, particularly from So CAL.
Kanga; hello. Look I'm OK, Mr.Whippy's not real, just a joke, K?*waves manically*
Twigs; OK, and with no further ado....the new chapter.
Kanga; and don't forget to review!!!
Twigs; let me get on with it.
Kanga; I am, sheesh, you little...*Twigs pounces and they fall into a dust cloud fight*
Chapter 11 Love is in the Air
The next week went by very quickly. Mrs. Huckleberry quickly became one of my favorite teachers. She reminded me of Aunt Molly and she was a very talented medi-witch who had a knack for conveying information in an easy-to- understand way.
I was very concerned about quidditch try outs. I had to practically rebuild the whole team and I wasn't looking forward to it. I didn't know how many Gryffindors were trying out and out of that number how many knew what they were doing. Finally the day of tryouts dawned on us. I felt as though I'd be really happy to get it over with.
"Come one Ron, we've got to head down to the Quidditch pitch" I told Ron. He looked a bit nervous too. "It'll be okay, they'll be tons of great people- after all, isn't Gryffindor the house with talent?" I joked a bit, trying to lighten the mood.
"You could bet on that mate!" Ron replied enthusiastically. I gave him a smile as big as the state of California. We both joked a bit on our way down to the stadium; it helped to ease both of our nerves. Upon arriving at the quidditch pitch I was surprised by how many people had come to try out. One look at Ron confirmed that he was shocked too. I turned to address the crowd in front of us.
"Hello, for those of you who don't know me my name is Harry Potter and I'm the new captain of the Gryffindor quidditch team- this (pointing to Ron) is my best mate and keeper of the team. I'm so pleased that all of you could come today. As of this moment, we are in need of two beaters and three chasers. Add to that a full reserve team. Ginny Weasley was going to fill in as reserve seeker but has decided to try out for one of the vacant chaser positions instead. My thanks goes to all who try- please know that if we could- we would accept you all. Now, as for the tryouts. Chasers go to west end of the pitch to try out with me, beaters go to the middle of the pitch to try out with Ron and all people trying out for reserve seeker or keeper please head over to the east end with Professor McGonagall. By process of elimination- I will lower it down to ten chasers, Ron to six beaters and Professor McGonagall to four reserves. From there, all three of us will choose the actual positions for the remaining people. I wish you all the best of luck- may the best man, or if it be the case woman, win!" I concluded. At the conclusion of my speech everybody started going off in their designated directions. After wishing Ron luck I headed to the west end of the pitch to meet with the chasers. After they had quieted down, I addressed my potential chasers.
"Due to the mass number of people trying out for chaser, I need you all to get into a single file line. From there, I'll give you a number and post it on your back. Next to your number I'll write your name and year. If I call out your number and tell you to leave, please go quietly. After the tryouts, I will share with you the numbers of the 10 people that will move onto the next level. Try to move quickly- I don't have all day" I said. It took quite a bit of time to get people numbered up but from here it would be possible to continue with the tryouts.
First off- I tested people's flying abilities. I figured that if they couldn't fly well I didn't want them on my team. After eliminating about half of the people due to that, I brought in the quaffle. I paired them up and tested their hand-eye coordination while having them toss the quaffle back and forth. One by one I started knocking people off and forming new pairs. After that, I only had about 20 people, a mere third of what had come to try out. Still- I had to cut that group into half. I told the remaining 20 that I would act as keeper and they would have to try and score on me. Not being a skilled keeper- I figured that most of them would probably be able to score on me. However, I was trying to see what kind of tricks they'd pull. I saw that some of the group clearly weren't fit to be chasers. They couldn't get any balls past me, and they were two slow in their actions- chasers had to be fast. Finally, after much debate I had lowered it down to twelve people- but I didn't know how to eliminate to other two people. So, I decided to test them on throw them a fast one and ask them some questions about themselves. Those who showed self confidence and good sportsmanship would go on. I eliminated the final two people and called out the numbers of the final ten players. Among them was Ginny Weasley and a very confident 2nd-year named Molly Gilbert.
"Hey, Ron, are you ready to test them all as a group?" I asked, as I walked towards him, with my ten chaser finalists.
"That I am Harry and I think Professor McGonagall is too" he said, as we saw her walking towards us with 4 kids in her tow. After taking down the names of all of the remaining participants and giving them all new numbers we decided to set up a scrimmage between them. We put the reserve keepers on the two given goals and set six of the chasers and four of the beaters into scrimmage. Throughout the scrimmage we'd be pausing the game to rotate the chasers and beaters. I sat in the bleachers and quickly took notes on all of them. By the end of the scrimmage I was exactly sure who I would choose but I needed to see what Ron and Professor McGonagall thought. I told all of the people who tried out that they had done a good job and that results would be posted in the common room later on tonight. Ron and Professor McGonagall hurried over to me after the last person had left.
"So, what did you guys think?" I asked them.
"I think that we should definitely use Mark Brown as a beater" Ron said. I nodded my head in agreement.
"He was really good and he worked best with Christopher Swamps, so he should be the other beater" Professor McGonagall added.
"Yes, that's very good, I think that Sherry White should be a chaser, she was good" I said.
"Definitely, and I think that Ginny Weasley should be another one" Professor McGonagall said.
"Yeah, and Molly Gilbert- that girl may be young but she's on fire!" Ron exclaimed. I nodded in agreement. I looked down at our list. In total we'd have two fourth year beaters, a fourth year chaser, a fifth year chaser and a second year chaser. Quite the assortment if you ask me. After putting together a reserve team, we wrote up the list of posting that night.
After posting the lists Ron and I retired to our dormitory. We didn't really feel like being there when people found out they were rejected. Instead we started going over the practice schedules and talking about the new team. After we tired talking about quidditch- we began talking about the upcoming ball.
"So, Ron, you never told me who you were taking" I commented. He went a bit crimson and all of a sudden looked very nervous. I looked at him with a peculiar look on my face.
"Umm.about that...Harry you musn't be angry with me." Ron trailed off. He was looking at me like I was some kind of ferocious dragon who he was about to battle. I was now concerned. Whenever your best friend was viewing you as if you were a monster it was never a good sign.
"Ron, why are you so afraid of telling me? I'm you're best mate, you should never be afraid of telling me anything- let alone something as trivial as who you're taking to the Welcoming Back Ball" I replied. "I'm kind of offended and hurt that you feel like you can't talk to me".
"Well- it's not that exactly Harry. You see, the girl that I'm going with wasn't exactly very nice to you last year. The thing is, Harry she's changed. She really has, she even offered to display an apology to you in front of all in the Gryffindor common room. I really like her and so I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive her" Ron said. I looked even more baffled. "You know that I'd trust you with my life Harry and I really hope you'll try to accept and even befriend Lavender, it would mean a lot to me".
"Lavender? That's who you're taking to the ball- she was never mean to me. Sure she wasn't exactly a friend to me last year when she thought I was an idiot but under those conditions you'd have to be dating your family, Hermione, a Hogwarts staff member or Neville. None of those options would have really pleased me. Of course I'll try and befriend Lavender.if she's really changed maybe this can be the beginning to a wonderful friendship".
"Thanks mate- I don't know why I was so unsure of telling you" Ron replied, smiling and walking up to give me a hug.
"Yeah man, anytime, anywhere" I replied.
"Sure thing, anytime, anywhere". The time until the ball flew by and before we knew it we were upstairs ready to put on our dress robes. As I looked at my reflection in the mirror I wondered if I would ever be good enough for Hermione. Where as she was beautiful, angelic and talented- I was tall, gangly and an average student.
"What ya thinking about mate?" Ron asked me. I pondered over whether I should reveal my insecurities. I glanced down at the scar on my palm and all of my uncertainties vanished.
"I'm not good enough for Hermione. She's perfect and I'm not. She will never be able to love me in the same way that I love her. I'm just not that lovable" I said, as tears formed in my eyes. Ron came over to me and put his hand on my shoulder.
"Hey mate, you're not giving yourself enough credit. I've been your best mate for a little over 5 years and so you have to believe me when I tell you that you are VERY lovable. I have also been close with Hermione Granger for a little over 5 years and so you have to believe me when I add that Hermione isn't too good for you and you musn't go around believing that. You too are wonderful for each other. You're lucky to have her and she's lucky to have you" Ron said, with his hand steady on my shoulder and his eyes locked with mine. He was like Remus with the eye contact. I would have to make a mental note that it worked. My face broke out into a smile and the tears stopped falling completely. I performed the charm Remus had used down in the fault to clear my face of all traces of tears.
As we slicked our hair back with gel and spirtzed on cologne I felt as if a part of my childhood was dissolving into the perfumed air. When we are young we look at childhood as an infinite stage in our life. When Ron and I were playing chess in our dorm room at age 11 we never thought that 4 years later that same dorm room would be the stage for first date nerves. Also, while some children have memories of pony rides and Santa Clause to fill their childhood with- my memories are of being locked in a cupboard under the stairs. I will never smile when thinking of my early childhood for it holds no memories worth smiling about. It's almost as if somebody robbed my childhood when I wasn't looking. Yet, that's what makes me smile extra large about today. For it is today that I go on my first date and that I might kiss my childhood goodbye.
Ron and I descended the stair case down into the Gryffindor Common Room. We joined an assembly of other guys waiting for their dates. Some of the younger ones looked nervous while the older ones were all cool and relaxed. Maybe that's how it got- when you and your girlfriend were comfortable with each other. I didn't have much time to ponder on it though as the girl's began descending the stairway to meet their dates. Many a girls passed, each one holding her own beauty and zest. However, I had eyes for none but my own Hermione. As she walked over to me, in her bluish silver dress robes that sparkled in the light the only word that could do her justice was godly.
"You look gorgeous 'mione" I said to her, as she walked up and we latched arms.
"Thank-you Mr. Potter, you don't look half bad yourself" Hermione said, with a mischievous smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. I gave her an award winning smile back as we began to walk out of the common room and down the stairs to the Great Hall. When we entered the great hall, it looked simply magical. There were lights up around the ceiling and colorful decorations everywhere. I took Hermione over to a table and we sat down.
Just like for the yule ball, the menu wasn't any specified coarse, but rather what ever you wanted. Hermione had Chicken Caesar salad while I had steak. Just watching her eat made me happy. However, I concentrated on getting through my meal and only stole glances at her every now and then. We dove into a conversation about her family and childhood. Her parents sounded like lovely people and she told me she couldn't wait until I met them. After the dishes were cleared away we began to dance. I was so worried that I wouldn't know how to dance but when we were out there it was all very natural. When she was in my arms I gently guided her across the floor. Finally, a slow song came one. I scooped her into my arms and held her close.
At that moment, there was nobody but the two of us. She looked up into my eyes with tears in her eyes and whispered.
"I love you Harry, I just love you so much" as several tears trickled down her cheeks. I began to cry as well.
"Oh 'mione I love you more than life itself" I replied. She nuzzled her shoulder into my chest as we twirled gently along the dance floor. After the music turned fast again, I led her out of the Great Hall and into the Hogwarts garden. I took her over to a stone edge to a fountain and we both sat down. The dim lights radiated over her slick auburn hair as she smiled her pearly white teeth resembled smooth, silky waves of milk. She sparkled in the moonlight and again she was my goddess. I bent down and time seemed to slow down as my lips yearned to reach hers. As my rough lips touched her soft ones, they welcomed me in, and the kiss was long and sweet. While I was kissing her, I could only think of how lucky I was and how much I wanted, no I needed to be with Hermione Granger for the rest of my life.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Hermione's point of view ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I love you Harry, I just love you so much" I said, as tears trickled down my cheeks. I just felt so overpowered by love for him.
"Oh, 'mione I love you more than life itself" he replied. I loved it when he called me 'mione. It was his little pet name for me and I found it simply adorable. I nuzzled my head in his chest willing this moment to last forever. Harry's arms were guiding me out of the Great Hall and out into a beautiful rose garden. He looked so handsome with his messy hair and his pearly, green eyes. He resembled a warrior, strong, loving and protective. He bent down and made way towards my lips and I made no means to stop him. As his rough, chapped lips met mine, I fell in love with them. I knew that I wanted to be in his arms until the end of time and longer.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Back to Harry's point of view ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hermione smiles and I smile too. I then know that I have just kissed my childhood goodbye. For while in the dorm room I was nostalgic, in the rose garden I was anything but. I was kissing the past on the head and telling it off, saying it could go away now for the future had come and love was in the air.
Twigs: That was good wasn't it?
Kanga: Yes, yes, of course *looks preoccupied*
Twigs: Kanga? What is it that you're so preoccupied by?
Kanga: Well, I was just mentally counting how long it was since the last chapter came out.
Twigs: Kanga- don't even try that on me. For both of us know that I sent you this chapter on the 22, but that you were on a trip to Switzerland and didn't get it back 'til the 27.
Kanga: It's true, it's true *begins sobbing at Twigs feet*
Twigs: *pats kanga awkwardly on the back* There, there, it'll be okay.
Kanga: *sniffles and sits up a bit, with a conniving smile on her face* How about you review? That would make me really happy.
Twigs: It would make me happy too and I would post the next chapter real quick 'cause I already have it partially written.
Kanga: YAY!!! Don't forget that we are trying to reach a 100 reviews. Oh yeah- and here's two things. We got a list of fan stories that you should read and a trivia question.
Stories:
Harry Potter and The Exchange Student by: TheDreamsoftheDead (long but REALLY good)
Calling by:LiteraryLuminary (she's a sweetie and her fic's a good read)
Twigs: If I forgot anyone- harass me in your next e-mail. Secondly, if you've read any good Harry/Remus non slash stories, than just let me know and I'll check them out. You'll be getting a list of those later.
Trivia Question: How many lights did Dumbledore put out with his putter- outer when he stood on privet drive in the first chapter of the first book?
Twigs; Here we are again, another chapter for you, ah, good times.
Kanga; Here we go. She'll start...*is interrupted*
Harry; hang on, stop insulting Twigs, she's the one who writes us!! She's amazing!!! And what do you do? Nothing! Exactly!
Kanga; yeah, she does write us, but she ain't meant to be writing YOU, here!!!
Harry; oh shut up you stupid British twit.
Kanga; you're British too, you pleb,
Harry; commoner
Kanga; posh git. *Harry and kanga advance towards each other, kanga wielding Mr. Whippy, and Harry his trusty wand, but go for a slap fight instead*
Twigs; children!! Stop!! I forbid you to fight in the fic, if you have to fight, do it out there, and Kanga, I'll take Mr. Whippy back if you can't be responsible. Now behave, we have reviews to address.
Kanga and Harry; yes chief. *Harry vanishes back into the imagination*
Twigs; thanks for all the reviews, they're very much appreciated, we did get some err...worrying ones though. glyph, I don' know what exactly to say to yours but...wanna explain?
Kanga; *reads review and stares open mouthed, confused as usual* You would think I would have picked up on something like that.
Twigs: It's not you Kanga- he's a prick (please pardon my language- this guy just really ticked me off). I have half a mind to remove him- which I might do- so if you readers wanna see it, look now. Warning: Insult me all you want (after all I AM the writer) but insult my beta and I'll come after you. She shouldn't be blamed for my mistakes, she can't correct them all.
Kanga: Thanks! Unfortunately if you went after Twigs- you'd have to deal with me. Obviously constructive criticism is one thing but keep the stupid, unfounded negative comments to yourself. For the sake of Twigs and all she holds dear?
Twigs; umm, Rocky235, I don't really beat Kanga with a whip, aka, Mr. Whippy, it would have to be a very ling whip to reach the UK, particularly from So CAL.
Kanga; hello. Look I'm OK, Mr.Whippy's not real, just a joke, K?*waves manically*
Twigs; OK, and with no further ado....the new chapter.
Kanga; and don't forget to review!!!
Twigs; let me get on with it.
Kanga; I am, sheesh, you little...*Twigs pounces and they fall into a dust cloud fight*
Chapter 11 Love is in the Air
The next week went by very quickly. Mrs. Huckleberry quickly became one of my favorite teachers. She reminded me of Aunt Molly and she was a very talented medi-witch who had a knack for conveying information in an easy-to- understand way.
I was very concerned about quidditch try outs. I had to practically rebuild the whole team and I wasn't looking forward to it. I didn't know how many Gryffindors were trying out and out of that number how many knew what they were doing. Finally the day of tryouts dawned on us. I felt as though I'd be really happy to get it over with.
"Come one Ron, we've got to head down to the Quidditch pitch" I told Ron. He looked a bit nervous too. "It'll be okay, they'll be tons of great people- after all, isn't Gryffindor the house with talent?" I joked a bit, trying to lighten the mood.
"You could bet on that mate!" Ron replied enthusiastically. I gave him a smile as big as the state of California. We both joked a bit on our way down to the stadium; it helped to ease both of our nerves. Upon arriving at the quidditch pitch I was surprised by how many people had come to try out. One look at Ron confirmed that he was shocked too. I turned to address the crowd in front of us.
"Hello, for those of you who don't know me my name is Harry Potter and I'm the new captain of the Gryffindor quidditch team- this (pointing to Ron) is my best mate and keeper of the team. I'm so pleased that all of you could come today. As of this moment, we are in need of two beaters and three chasers. Add to that a full reserve team. Ginny Weasley was going to fill in as reserve seeker but has decided to try out for one of the vacant chaser positions instead. My thanks goes to all who try- please know that if we could- we would accept you all. Now, as for the tryouts. Chasers go to west end of the pitch to try out with me, beaters go to the middle of the pitch to try out with Ron and all people trying out for reserve seeker or keeper please head over to the east end with Professor McGonagall. By process of elimination- I will lower it down to ten chasers, Ron to six beaters and Professor McGonagall to four reserves. From there, all three of us will choose the actual positions for the remaining people. I wish you all the best of luck- may the best man, or if it be the case woman, win!" I concluded. At the conclusion of my speech everybody started going off in their designated directions. After wishing Ron luck I headed to the west end of the pitch to meet with the chasers. After they had quieted down, I addressed my potential chasers.
"Due to the mass number of people trying out for chaser, I need you all to get into a single file line. From there, I'll give you a number and post it on your back. Next to your number I'll write your name and year. If I call out your number and tell you to leave, please go quietly. After the tryouts, I will share with you the numbers of the 10 people that will move onto the next level. Try to move quickly- I don't have all day" I said. It took quite a bit of time to get people numbered up but from here it would be possible to continue with the tryouts.
First off- I tested people's flying abilities. I figured that if they couldn't fly well I didn't want them on my team. After eliminating about half of the people due to that, I brought in the quaffle. I paired them up and tested their hand-eye coordination while having them toss the quaffle back and forth. One by one I started knocking people off and forming new pairs. After that, I only had about 20 people, a mere third of what had come to try out. Still- I had to cut that group into half. I told the remaining 20 that I would act as keeper and they would have to try and score on me. Not being a skilled keeper- I figured that most of them would probably be able to score on me. However, I was trying to see what kind of tricks they'd pull. I saw that some of the group clearly weren't fit to be chasers. They couldn't get any balls past me, and they were two slow in their actions- chasers had to be fast. Finally, after much debate I had lowered it down to twelve people- but I didn't know how to eliminate to other two people. So, I decided to test them on throw them a fast one and ask them some questions about themselves. Those who showed self confidence and good sportsmanship would go on. I eliminated the final two people and called out the numbers of the final ten players. Among them was Ginny Weasley and a very confident 2nd-year named Molly Gilbert.
"Hey, Ron, are you ready to test them all as a group?" I asked, as I walked towards him, with my ten chaser finalists.
"That I am Harry and I think Professor McGonagall is too" he said, as we saw her walking towards us with 4 kids in her tow. After taking down the names of all of the remaining participants and giving them all new numbers we decided to set up a scrimmage between them. We put the reserve keepers on the two given goals and set six of the chasers and four of the beaters into scrimmage. Throughout the scrimmage we'd be pausing the game to rotate the chasers and beaters. I sat in the bleachers and quickly took notes on all of them. By the end of the scrimmage I was exactly sure who I would choose but I needed to see what Ron and Professor McGonagall thought. I told all of the people who tried out that they had done a good job and that results would be posted in the common room later on tonight. Ron and Professor McGonagall hurried over to me after the last person had left.
"So, what did you guys think?" I asked them.
"I think that we should definitely use Mark Brown as a beater" Ron said. I nodded my head in agreement.
"He was really good and he worked best with Christopher Swamps, so he should be the other beater" Professor McGonagall added.
"Yes, that's very good, I think that Sherry White should be a chaser, she was good" I said.
"Definitely, and I think that Ginny Weasley should be another one" Professor McGonagall said.
"Yeah, and Molly Gilbert- that girl may be young but she's on fire!" Ron exclaimed. I nodded in agreement. I looked down at our list. In total we'd have two fourth year beaters, a fourth year chaser, a fifth year chaser and a second year chaser. Quite the assortment if you ask me. After putting together a reserve team, we wrote up the list of posting that night.
After posting the lists Ron and I retired to our dormitory. We didn't really feel like being there when people found out they were rejected. Instead we started going over the practice schedules and talking about the new team. After we tired talking about quidditch- we began talking about the upcoming ball.
"So, Ron, you never told me who you were taking" I commented. He went a bit crimson and all of a sudden looked very nervous. I looked at him with a peculiar look on my face.
"Umm.about that...Harry you musn't be angry with me." Ron trailed off. He was looking at me like I was some kind of ferocious dragon who he was about to battle. I was now concerned. Whenever your best friend was viewing you as if you were a monster it was never a good sign.
"Ron, why are you so afraid of telling me? I'm you're best mate, you should never be afraid of telling me anything- let alone something as trivial as who you're taking to the Welcoming Back Ball" I replied. "I'm kind of offended and hurt that you feel like you can't talk to me".
"Well- it's not that exactly Harry. You see, the girl that I'm going with wasn't exactly very nice to you last year. The thing is, Harry she's changed. She really has, she even offered to display an apology to you in front of all in the Gryffindor common room. I really like her and so I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive her" Ron said. I looked even more baffled. "You know that I'd trust you with my life Harry and I really hope you'll try to accept and even befriend Lavender, it would mean a lot to me".
"Lavender? That's who you're taking to the ball- she was never mean to me. Sure she wasn't exactly a friend to me last year when she thought I was an idiot but under those conditions you'd have to be dating your family, Hermione, a Hogwarts staff member or Neville. None of those options would have really pleased me. Of course I'll try and befriend Lavender.if she's really changed maybe this can be the beginning to a wonderful friendship".
"Thanks mate- I don't know why I was so unsure of telling you" Ron replied, smiling and walking up to give me a hug.
"Yeah man, anytime, anywhere" I replied.
"Sure thing, anytime, anywhere". The time until the ball flew by and before we knew it we were upstairs ready to put on our dress robes. As I looked at my reflection in the mirror I wondered if I would ever be good enough for Hermione. Where as she was beautiful, angelic and talented- I was tall, gangly and an average student.
"What ya thinking about mate?" Ron asked me. I pondered over whether I should reveal my insecurities. I glanced down at the scar on my palm and all of my uncertainties vanished.
"I'm not good enough for Hermione. She's perfect and I'm not. She will never be able to love me in the same way that I love her. I'm just not that lovable" I said, as tears formed in my eyes. Ron came over to me and put his hand on my shoulder.
"Hey mate, you're not giving yourself enough credit. I've been your best mate for a little over 5 years and so you have to believe me when I tell you that you are VERY lovable. I have also been close with Hermione Granger for a little over 5 years and so you have to believe me when I add that Hermione isn't too good for you and you musn't go around believing that. You too are wonderful for each other. You're lucky to have her and she's lucky to have you" Ron said, with his hand steady on my shoulder and his eyes locked with mine. He was like Remus with the eye contact. I would have to make a mental note that it worked. My face broke out into a smile and the tears stopped falling completely. I performed the charm Remus had used down in the fault to clear my face of all traces of tears.
As we slicked our hair back with gel and spirtzed on cologne I felt as if a part of my childhood was dissolving into the perfumed air. When we are young we look at childhood as an infinite stage in our life. When Ron and I were playing chess in our dorm room at age 11 we never thought that 4 years later that same dorm room would be the stage for first date nerves. Also, while some children have memories of pony rides and Santa Clause to fill their childhood with- my memories are of being locked in a cupboard under the stairs. I will never smile when thinking of my early childhood for it holds no memories worth smiling about. It's almost as if somebody robbed my childhood when I wasn't looking. Yet, that's what makes me smile extra large about today. For it is today that I go on my first date and that I might kiss my childhood goodbye.
Ron and I descended the stair case down into the Gryffindor Common Room. We joined an assembly of other guys waiting for their dates. Some of the younger ones looked nervous while the older ones were all cool and relaxed. Maybe that's how it got- when you and your girlfriend were comfortable with each other. I didn't have much time to ponder on it though as the girl's began descending the stairway to meet their dates. Many a girls passed, each one holding her own beauty and zest. However, I had eyes for none but my own Hermione. As she walked over to me, in her bluish silver dress robes that sparkled in the light the only word that could do her justice was godly.
"You look gorgeous 'mione" I said to her, as she walked up and we latched arms.
"Thank-you Mr. Potter, you don't look half bad yourself" Hermione said, with a mischievous smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. I gave her an award winning smile back as we began to walk out of the common room and down the stairs to the Great Hall. When we entered the great hall, it looked simply magical. There were lights up around the ceiling and colorful decorations everywhere. I took Hermione over to a table and we sat down.
Just like for the yule ball, the menu wasn't any specified coarse, but rather what ever you wanted. Hermione had Chicken Caesar salad while I had steak. Just watching her eat made me happy. However, I concentrated on getting through my meal and only stole glances at her every now and then. We dove into a conversation about her family and childhood. Her parents sounded like lovely people and she told me she couldn't wait until I met them. After the dishes were cleared away we began to dance. I was so worried that I wouldn't know how to dance but when we were out there it was all very natural. When she was in my arms I gently guided her across the floor. Finally, a slow song came one. I scooped her into my arms and held her close.
At that moment, there was nobody but the two of us. She looked up into my eyes with tears in her eyes and whispered.
"I love you Harry, I just love you so much" as several tears trickled down her cheeks. I began to cry as well.
"Oh 'mione I love you more than life itself" I replied. She nuzzled her shoulder into my chest as we twirled gently along the dance floor. After the music turned fast again, I led her out of the Great Hall and into the Hogwarts garden. I took her over to a stone edge to a fountain and we both sat down. The dim lights radiated over her slick auburn hair as she smiled her pearly white teeth resembled smooth, silky waves of milk. She sparkled in the moonlight and again she was my goddess. I bent down and time seemed to slow down as my lips yearned to reach hers. As my rough lips touched her soft ones, they welcomed me in, and the kiss was long and sweet. While I was kissing her, I could only think of how lucky I was and how much I wanted, no I needed to be with Hermione Granger for the rest of my life.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Hermione's point of view ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I love you Harry, I just love you so much" I said, as tears trickled down my cheeks. I just felt so overpowered by love for him.
"Oh, 'mione I love you more than life itself" he replied. I loved it when he called me 'mione. It was his little pet name for me and I found it simply adorable. I nuzzled my head in his chest willing this moment to last forever. Harry's arms were guiding me out of the Great Hall and out into a beautiful rose garden. He looked so handsome with his messy hair and his pearly, green eyes. He resembled a warrior, strong, loving and protective. He bent down and made way towards my lips and I made no means to stop him. As his rough, chapped lips met mine, I fell in love with them. I knew that I wanted to be in his arms until the end of time and longer.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Back to Harry's point of view ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hermione smiles and I smile too. I then know that I have just kissed my childhood goodbye. For while in the dorm room I was nostalgic, in the rose garden I was anything but. I was kissing the past on the head and telling it off, saying it could go away now for the future had come and love was in the air.
Twigs: That was good wasn't it?
Kanga: Yes, yes, of course *looks preoccupied*
Twigs: Kanga? What is it that you're so preoccupied by?
Kanga: Well, I was just mentally counting how long it was since the last chapter came out.
Twigs: Kanga- don't even try that on me. For both of us know that I sent you this chapter on the 22, but that you were on a trip to Switzerland and didn't get it back 'til the 27.
Kanga: It's true, it's true *begins sobbing at Twigs feet*
Twigs: *pats kanga awkwardly on the back* There, there, it'll be okay.
Kanga: *sniffles and sits up a bit, with a conniving smile on her face* How about you review? That would make me really happy.
Twigs: It would make me happy too and I would post the next chapter real quick 'cause I already have it partially written.
Kanga: YAY!!! Don't forget that we are trying to reach a 100 reviews. Oh yeah- and here's two things. We got a list of fan stories that you should read and a trivia question.
Stories:
Harry Potter and The Exchange Student by: TheDreamsoftheDead (long but REALLY good)
Calling by:LiteraryLuminary (she's a sweetie and her fic's a good read)
Twigs: If I forgot anyone- harass me in your next e-mail. Secondly, if you've read any good Harry/Remus non slash stories, than just let me know and I'll check them out. You'll be getting a list of those later.
Trivia Question: How many lights did Dumbledore put out with his putter- outer when he stood on privet drive in the first chapter of the first book?