The Secret Admirer

Chapter 6

Author: Cornette

Disclaimer: JK Rowling! I really, really love her!

                            The Great Hall boomed the second after Malfoy said that. Everybody clapped and cheered. The Gryffindor shouting encouragement for Harry while the Slytherin cheered for Malfoy. Hermione sat still, feeling numb. How could they?  

                           "Good. Don't forget about the deal." said Harry, pleased. Malfoy nodded curtly and reached his goblet again, now looking tensed. His Slytherin fellows soon surround him so Hermione could see him no longer. Harry walk back to Gryffindor Table calmly, with a small smile in his pleasant face. Harry sat again beside her. Hermione opened her mouth, ready to shout at him when someone already does that. 

                           "Harry, that was cool!" said Seamus, across them.

                           "Yeah, you show him, Harry!"yelled George Weasley hotly.

                           Soon everybody surround him, slap Harry's back or said supporting words. The Creevey brothers shake hand with Harry, their eyes shone. Ron laughed and patted Harry's back. The Gryffindor Seeker just sat beside Hermione, grinning. Suddenly…

                           "Wait a minute! Nobody gives you two permission!" a mock voice interrupted them.

                           The clamor stopped, everyone turned his or her head to see who's speaking. It was the Head Boy, John White. Tall and proud he stood alone in Ravenclaw table. Flush spread in White's face, evidently he was furious.

                           "Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy have no rights doing Seeker Duel. Its not allowed!" yelled White angrily; his voices rang clearly in the Great Hall. Go, John, go! cheered Hermione in her mind. Moment later `Boos` and disagreement spread. Look's like everybody is against John… and Hermione.

                           "But we all want to see it! Beside, there's no harm in this Seeker Duel." retorted Lee Jordan, and everyone cheered him.

                           "I don't care." snapped John hotly, his voice high.

                           "Pompous bigheaded git."muttered Ron angrily in his seat.

                           Hermione agree. Though John White is the Head Boy and as a Prefect they work often, still Hermione dislike him. He was a responsible and clever one, but he think everyone was less than him. They were in the same side now, so Hermione choose to be silent.   

                           "I, John White, as the rightful Head Boy, didn't give you any permission. And that's all!" said John loudly, and then sat again.

                           The whole Great Hall fell silent, all eyes looked at him with disbelief, included the Ravenclaws. As usual, they are very neutral and fair. John White look pleased with himself and ignored the stare he got.

                           "Who need yours, by the way?"

                           A clear and cool voice said. But this sarcastic words gave a huge effect, almost everyone laugh silently. Hermione knew beyond her sense who that was. Who else could say such words? Of course it was Draco Malfoy. Stood coolly, with a smirk in his good-looking face, staring with his most insolent manner at John White.

                           Banging his hand loudly upon the table, John stood up. Hermione never see him this angry before. He looks quite frightening. Face red and eyes blazing. He raised his right hand and pointed rudely at Malfoy.

                           "Shut up, Malfoy! You bas-"

                           "SILENCE!"

                           Prof McGonagall was already standing between them, her face stern. Everybody went quite again.

                           "Sit down White, Malfoy!" said McGonagall sharply, and for Hermione`s happiness, they sat back obediently (John White still red faced). Now Prof McGonagall strolled to and fro around the Tables, make them felt small and guilty. Odd feeling, thought Hermione, but that's what she feel everytime she saw Prof McGonagall with her strict face.

                           "Well, we teachers have heard all of your argument. We'll let you finished this alone, but what we seen disappoint us. Still I believe that you all can handle this, I believe it all right. But this time we think its better if me and all the teacher who made the decision." said Prof McGonagall, calmly. Yet it made some students stirred uneasily in their seats. They waited in silent. Hermione crossed her fingers and pray.

                           "I think most of you agree of Mr. Jordan's opinion; there's no harm in Seeker Duel." said Mc Gonagall, smiled at Lee, who blushed scarlet. "So we think it's save enough and because it's only for fun, you have our permission."

                           Hermione felt spiritless when she heard that, and everybody around her clapped and cheered. So the teacher is agreeing, too! Hermione`s hope flew away. Suddenly Prof Dumbledore arose and the noise died instantly. Hermione noticed that he didn't look too joyful like usual, he was rather glum.

                           "For the last time, I need to hear their certain statement. Harry Potter, do you really want to do this Seeker Duel?" asked Prof Dumbledore to Harry.

                           "Yes, Professor." answered Harry, his voice clear and very sure. Hermione sigh when she heard that, and all Gryffindor cheered silently. Ron mouthed `YESSS! `.

                           "Mr. Malfoy, how about you?" asked Prof Dumbledore, turning to Malfoy. Behind his spectacles, his blue eyes shone. Malfoy thought a moment before he nodded.

                           "I want to do this." said Malfoy, his voice cool. 

                           "I see." said Prof Dumbledore, with a …(defeated sigh?). "Then we all will see a Seeker Duel on Saturday."

                          The Great Hall rang with voices and yells and claps.  Prof Dumbledore sat back again, his face thoughtful and serious. He certainly didn't smile at all today, thought Hermione absentmindedly. 

                           "Hermione, cheer up! We can see the Seeker Duel in Saturday. Harry can play!" said Ron happily. Hermione force herself to smile, as if she was glad to hear that. Harry was still looking calm, but he looks happy nonetheless and his green eyes sparkling.                                             

                           At the very time the bell rang, lunchtime is over. Its not just Hermione who gave a relieved sigh. It was interesting at first, but she didn't like the tensed and anger. The Great Hall and all of them didn't use to any kind of these things. Hermione, Harry and Ron went out from the Great Hall together, around them everyone was already chatting excitedly again.

                           "How about visiting Hagrid?" asked Harry.

                           "Oh, yeah, nice idea." said Ron, nodded. For Hermione their conversation seem far away from her. Suddenly someone force to pass between Harry and Ron. Malfoy made them separated and surprised, but without even looking back he dashed through the crowd.

                           "Very polite, isn't he?" said Ron irritably, rolling his eyes. Even from here, Hermione could see his blond hair, making his way in the crowd.

                           "… But Ron, his words… I have an odd feeling that if he was not Draco Malfoy, I'll shake his hands." said Harry in a low voice. Ron gapes at him for a moment before shrugging. 

                           Hermione knew exactly what Harry felt. Malfoy`s rudeness and sarcasm sometimes can be useful. To spoke like that to the Head Boy, even if it just foolishness, needs courage. He can give us Detention! Courage is something that Gryffindor`s, like Harry, praised high.

* * *

                           Hagrid was in a very jolly mood. He serves them with his chocolate muffins –which they refused to eat, for it smells strongly like petrol – and hot tea. Hagrid babbled for minutes about his vegetable garden. They teased him about Madam Maxime a bit. It's such a nice afternoon, when suddenly Ron spoiled it all.

                           "Seeker Duel?!" asked Hagrid eagerly.

                           "Yeah, Hagrid, yeah! Versus Malfoy. It cant be better, isn't it?" asked Ron, in the same level of eagerness.

                           "You have to win, Harry, my boy!" said Hagrid, guffawed. Harry gave him a little smile and put his tea hastily back in the table. Hermione knew that, just in case Hagrid clapped Harry's shoulder. So the talk about that cursed Seeker Duel went on, and on, and on……

                           "Why is our Hermione so silent?" asked Hagrid after a long and deep conversation. Hermione heard that, but she pretended to continued looking at the Lake through the window.

                           "Well, Hagrid, you know, she's mad because we didn't tell her about the plan…"said Ron, which made Hermione turned back abruptly.

                           "WHAT?  Mad? I'm not mad! And I don't care about your stupid plan!" yelled Hermione angrily. Her sudden outburst shocked Harry and Hagrid.

                           "Then what else? You are really grumpy about this Seeker Duel. Admit it, Hermione."said Ron, grinning triumphantly. Hermione felt her blood boiled when Ron said this.

                           "ALLRIGHT! I admit it! I don't like this whole thing! I don't like this Seeker Duel!" yelled Hermione, tossed her hand to the air. Ron sniggered, and Hagrid coughed to hide his laugh, made Hermione glared at him.

                           "But why Hermione?"asked Harry, bewildered. Well, Harry could be soooo oblivious sometimes.

                           "Because its dangerous! "said Hermione tensely with her final tone. 

                           "Dangerous?" repeated Ron absentmindedly before he burst out laughing. Even Harry and Hagrid laugh now, made Hermione pissed off.  

                           "Listen Hermione, its not dangerous." Started Harry, finally stopped laughing and now trying to explain it to Hermione. "It's just same as the usual Quidditch. Two Seeker chase the Golden Snitch but-"

                           "I knew the rules, Harry. I've read it." cut Hermione sharply. " It's just two Seeker without any other player right? With two times faster Snitch and three times faster and rougher Bludger. Is it right?" asked Hermione hotly.

                           "Perfect. Except about `dangerous` part." said Ron, still laughing. Hermione ignored him even though she wanted very much to hit his face. In spite of her desire Hermione turned to Harry, and stare at him right in his eyes, to show how serious she was. Harry stare at her, his green eyes wide.

                           "Harry, it's you who take the risk! You can fell! The bludger`s may knocked you off! What if the Snitch can't be catched for weeks? Its winter, and there might be a huge storm! Strong wind can sweep you to the Whomping Willow! Think of it, Harry!" cried Hermione, looking up to Harry with shimmering eyes. She didn't want something bad happen to him. Not again, what happened to Harry all this years is too much. 

                           "It's all right, Hermione."said Harry softly to her. Her green eyes grew mild and let out one of his dazzling smile. "I'll take all the risk."

                           "Great to hear that, Harry!" exclaimed Hagrid, obviously felt very proud.  He patted Harry's head a bit too strong, made him dizzy.

                           So what can Hermione say in situation like this? She couldn't say that she wanted Harry to cancel it. Not here, at least. Not in front of Hagrid, who was beaming down to Harry. Hagrid`s beady eyes twinkling with delight and his face shone. She couldn't ruin his happiness. Hermione will talk to Harry later.

* * *

                           Hermione was wrong when she thought she could talk to Harry later. He was too busy. In the morning and in the classes, automatically Ron, as their friend, was always with them. Hermione didn't want Ron to hear what she'll say. He'll be enraged. After school, they had lunch (Ron still with them, of course) and played in the common room for hour or so. But most of Harry's time was in Quidditch Pitch, practicing his `Seeker Skill` like what Ron said.

                           Hermione surely couldn't watch, not in heavy pouring rain, and chilling wind. The weather was hard, these days, not that Harry minds this. He practiced restlessly with Ron, Fred and George and anyone who wanted to help. He comes back shivering in night, covered with mud, and wet with rain. Hermione pitied Harry if he came like this, coughing and sneezing. She knew Harry was `weak` in season like this. He'll get flu. So Hermione and Ron got him one of Madam Pomfrey medicine and let him sleep.

                          It's already Friday. And Hermione didn't talk to Harry yet; it made her a bit frustrated. Days flows quickly with Harry out of her reach. She noticed that Malfoy was practicing hard too. Rare sight, really, someone with pride like him practice. So the school was having an increasing tense aura. Like mad they support their favorite, Harry or Malfoy. These days they can be founded in the center of their fan (especially girls). Harry, as always, looked very annoyed when the girls surround him. To Hermione`s surprise Malfoy too, avoid his fans. He looked much silent than before.

                           As usual in this week, Hermione left alone in the common room. She couldn't stop pouting. Everyone said she look so sulky. Hermione read a book alone in her chair beside the warm fireplace, waiting for her friends. She waited and waited, soon got very bored. Glared to some second years that made a bet for tomorrow, she put down her book. Suddenly-

                           "Hermione! We're back." said a familiar cheerful voice, Harry's. Harry and Ron, mud free and looked as if just came straight out from bath.

                           "Hullo! What took you guys so long?" asked Hermione, felt glad.

                           "We took shower first then came to you." answered Harry, he and Ron sat in their chair.

                           "How was the practice, Ron?" asked Hermione to Ron. She was afraid if something wrong with Harry.

                           "Went bloody great! We'll win tomorrow." said Ron confidently, smiling. Hermione frowned.

                           "I still didn't like this idea." murmured her grimly.

                           "Hermi-"Harry was just saying something to her when someone shouted.

                           "Potter, LOOK!"

                           Harry looked up and they all saw something flying fast to them. Hermione covered her face with her hands but in a swift motion Harry catch it. Cushion. All of the Gryffindor`s clapped and cheered.

                           "Nice catch, Harry!" said Dean Thomas, grinned ear-to-ear.

                           The Gryffindors gave Harry an extra training. They decided Harry have to catch flying objects as often as possible. They throw things and Harry have to run, jump or dive to catched it. It's tiring, even for Hermione, and made her aware. It could be everything, little eraser, pencil case, pen, feather, but it could be books, and even food. The most important thing was Hermione, Harry and Ron had to be very careful, just in case something big and heavy flying towards them.

                           But it's not Harry if he couldn't catch it. He made them all proud and sure, he'll win. The Gryffindor`s too, restlessly supported him and helped him even if sometimes made situation worse. The thick Rune Dictionary that Colin Creevey threw almost knocked Harry out. The worst thing as Gryffindor loses fifty points because Fred and George threw boiled eggs wildly to Harry at breakfast. Raining all of them with eggs and messing the Great Hall for of course Harry couldn't catch all of them. Enraged Snape yelled at them and gave the twins detention.

                           From beside Hermione, in an armchair Harry let out a huge yawn. Evidently he was very tired.

                           "I'm sleepy, I think I'll go to bed." said Harry as he shift his position in his chair.

                           "Well, you have to get a plenty of rest Harry! See you tomorrow." said Ron. Hermione watched as Ron arrange his chessboard on the table carefully. Looks like Ron didn't want to sleep early.

                           "Bye." said Harry tiredly and he went away. Hermione as watching Ron silently when suddenly she stood up quickly and run after Harry.   

Harry stopped in the spiral staircase when Hermione called him.  

                           "Harry, if you don't mind. Umm, I want to talk to you." said Hermione nervously. This was her only chance.

                           "What's up?" asked Harry curiously. He walked back down to Hermione.

                           "It`s just-"

                           "Excuse me, can I pass?"asked someone with scared tone.

                           Hermione turned her head to see a little boy, first year standing beside them nervously. He referred to the staircase. Accidentally, Harry and Hermione were blocking the way.

                           "Sure." said Harry and he stepped back. The boy passed with a flushed face and went upstairs speedily.

                           "So, where are we?" asked Harry, trying to remember. "Ah, you want to talk w with me, right?"

                           Hermione checked around her and decide that this is not a good place to talk. A big group of fourth year was walking towards the staircase now. No privacy at all! thought Hermione, irritated. So she turned to Harry after thinking for a moment.

                           "Yes, but not here, Harry. How about tomorrow morning on 6 in the Common Room?" asked Hermione, half forcing. Harry, after frowning for seconds finally shrugged.

                           "As you wish, m`lady!"said Harry humorously, and made a mock bow before went upstairs.

                           Weary herself, Hermione crept silently to Fifth year bedroom and found nobody there. Parvati and Lavender didn't come here yet. She changed her robes and does her before sleep ritual. After that Hermione walked to her bed slowly, with her eyes searching in the room. She didn't see something wrong, but why she felt as if something was missing? What is it?

                           Hermione sat in the edge of her bed, thinking deeply. She searched the room once again and still, found nothing's wrong. Hermione closed her eyes and the idea came abruptly to her mind. She opened her eyes hastily and jumped, searching once again.

                           "The flower! I don't see the flowers and the note!" whispered Hermione to herself.

                           For weeks the sunflower always sent to Hermione. She was getting used to receive it now she felt something missing. Hermione grew panic when she couldn't found it anywhere. It meant a lot to her, especially these hard days. The note was always so sweet and made Hermione feel someone was care a lot of her. Hermione sat hugging her knee on her bed, feeling very sad and alone. Why? And why now? When she needed something to made her feel better because the cursed Seeker Duel will be held tomorrow. It stopped as sudden as it started.

                           "Hermione, are you there?"

                           Hermione looked up and saw Ginny, poking her head on the door. Ginny was smiling broadly when she saw Hermione.

                           "Hi, Hermione. I was just from the library and found these." said Ginny cheerfully, pointing to a big book with colorful flowers in the cover which she hold. " It's very interesting! I search for this since yester-"

                           Ginny stopped. And quickly run to Hermione`s side.

                           "Oh, Hermione, what happen?" asked Ginny anxiously. Hermione smiled weakly, Ginny was such a good and caring friend. She will knew if her friends were troubled. Hermione took a deep breath.

                           "Ginny, `he` stop sending me flower." Said Hermione sadly, no need to pretend in front of Ginny. Ginny's mouth made an `O` and she looked scandalized plus disbelieved.

                           "Really? Your secret admirer? Hermione that's bad!" said Ginny, looked disappointed. Very bad, corrected Hermione in her mind.

                           "Mmay-maybe he was just forgot, Hermione!"suggested Ginny, trying to cheer Hermione up.

                           "After this whole weeks? Impossible. More likely, it was a big mistake he send it to me. Maybe it was for another girl, but the owl put it in my table or bed because the window was open. Now he realized it and send it to it's right recipient." said Hermione, grew more miserable when she think that her analyze might be true.

                           "Hermione…I hope it's not true." said Ginny sadly. But for Hermione, she want it more that everything. She slept uneasily that night.

* * *

                           Hermione woke up on Saturday morning with a gloom mode hanging around her. It was not a bright morning, there's a dark cloud in the sky, though not much. Parvati was still snoring when Hermione tiptoed along the room, opened the door and went out. It was 3 minutes to 6. She went to Common Room and saw Harry already there, sitting alone in the deserted room.

                           Hermione knew Harry always wake up fast if he had a Quidditch match. Harry said it was because he was nervous but nobody believes him. They thought it was just a habit. Harry smiled when Hermione came.

                           "Good morning, Hermione."said Harry. He looks well and ready for today.

                           "Harry, you must cancel this Seeker Duel." Burst Hermione out. Harry looked at her as if she was mad.

                           "What?"

                           "Harry, you must! You know that it's not just you. It's Gryffindor`s pride Harry, that you're betting." said Hermione, almost hopelessly. Harry looked thoughtful and serious after she said that.

                           "I know, thanks for reminding me." said Harry calmly. Hermione eyes went wide. So he know?

                           "Then cancel it, for goodness sake!" said Hermione hotly.

                           "I can't. It's me who challenge Malfoy, and he accepted. What will I say to him, and to whole school, and to all Gryffindor`s who helped me?" asked Harry, and Hermione knew he couldn't be forced. If Harry said something with a tone like that, it was his final decision. Harry's eyes sparkling green, looked at her with its honesty.

                           "But Harry…"Hermione tried to say something, but she knew it wont make anything change.

                           "I hope you will not think that I'm egoistic. I have my own reason, Hermione."said Harry with a clear voice and Hermione wondered whatever it was. Harry patted her shoulder kindly.

                           "I can cancel if Malfoy want that." said Harry slowly, and a long silence followed. Harry looked at his watched and said,"I better wake Ron up."  

                           Harry walked quickly passed the petrified Hermione…

                           The Great Hall broke into applause as Harry came. Ron grinned at this and Harry smiled broadly. Hermione, in the other hand, lost all her will to do such things. She followed her friends to Gryffindor table and the sat beside Harry. This day was extraordinary. Never, in Hermione`s memory, the Great Hall full of students at 7 o'clock in Saturday morning.

                           But it was, now. Everyone seemed to chat excitedly and silly jokes came out. Hermione felt her head spin in her great displeasure. She watched Harry and Ron talked and ate beside her, but she touched nothing. Well, at least Harry didn't look nervous. The food looked great and smelled sooo good. Hermione take a toast in her hand, but didn't eat it. Not hungry, that's all. She scanned quickly at Slytherin`s table but founded no trace of Draco Malfoy.

                           Two and half hour before the Seeker Duel, announced a ridiculous Hufflepuff Sixth-Year. And the other stupid people cheered, thought Hermione grimly.

                           "Hermione, just eat that!" said Ron, surprising her. He was yelling from behind Harry's shoulder.

                           "Ron!" warned Hermione, she almost dropped her toast. Then she heard Harry laughing. Hermione blushed. Stupid things, but for this last half an hour, she busied herself spreading marmalade in her toast. Now it was too much and looks like a disguising mound.

                           "Sorry." said Hermione, abashed. She was going to make it disappear when familiar sounds filled the Great Hall.

                           Hooted owls and noisy flapping sounds from their wings. Hermione looked up, she was waiting for her mother's reply. She didn't found her family owl among the huge mass of feathers. Hermione`s attention turned to Neville, who got a big package from her Grandma. It was always interesting to saw what Neville forgot to bring.

                           PLUK.

                           Something soft with a nice scent was dropped in Hermione`s lap. She gave a surprised cry and when she looked at it she gave more surprised cry. A bouquet of beautiful fresh red roses. Hermione covered her mouth, suppressed her happiness. She saw a little white card and impatiently opened it.

                           To: Hermione Granger

                           No other words, but that's enough for Hermione. She hug the bouquet carefully and inhaled it sweet scent. Suddenly she felt stronger and happier. At last Hermione put it on the table, then let her eyes gazed at it for some time. So pretty, these red roses, do you see that I am so happy to receive these…

                           "That's so romantic Hermione. Who sent you those?" asked Parvati form across her. Hermione snapped back to reality. She went pink again and searched for right words.

                           "Yeah. I want to know too. This was suspicious."Ron`s voice sounds strange.

                           "What???"asked Parvati and Lavender, shocked for hearing Ron words.  Harry was already chuckling.

                           "Yes." said Ron fiercely, looking at the bouquet as if it could bite him. "So, Hermione, you know who sent you these?"

                           Hermione thought for a second before answering. "Ermmm… yes. I-I mean, not exactly know, but I know it was him."

                           She looked up just to see Parvati and Lavender giggling, Harry tried hard not to laugh till his cheeks crimson, and Ron stared at her with disbelief. Hermione shocked at his reaction. Well, she and Ron had some odd crush to each other in last year. Hermione found that she couldn't stand it if Ron was with other girls, and she thought Ron felt the same, too. This year, no `Veela things` hang around, so she and Ron back to their proper status, best friend. 

                           "Him? How do you know it was a boy?" asked Ron nastily.

                           Harry burst into a great laughter and couldn't be stopped for some minutes. Parvati and Lavender shot Ron daggers, and Hermione sat still, didn't know what to say.

                           "Don't be thick, Ronald Weasley. Of course it was a boy." said Lavender stubbornly, crossing her arms.

                           "How do you know?" repeated Ron, more stubbornly.

                           "Because girls never sent flowers to another girl, Ron. Come on!" said Seamus suddenly, he was overheard them. And he was laughing too, joined by Dean. O-ow, this is not what I want, thought Hermione, alarmed. Ron frowned in seconds.

                           "Maybe the girls have a mental illness! You know, odd, a psycho and-"suggested Ron wildly.

                           "He is NOT, Ron." said Hermione sternly, made Ron silent in instant.

                           "Ooooh, face it Weasley. He sounds more like a very very very handsome and romantic guy." said Parvati with a dreamy expression that made Ron pissed off.                                  

                           "Hermione was lucky!" said Neville innocently at her, shrugging. Hermione smiled her thanks at him.

                           Ron snorted for the last time before continued eating his breakfast, with grinning Harry beside him. Harry didn't say anything that smart boy, he took fair side. Hermione glanced once again at Ron, who looked angry (his ears was deep red). But Hermione shrugged and for the first time in this morning, she could eat her sausage.

                           Seconds after Hermione finished; a small figure of Ginny Weasley approached her. Said that she wanted to talk to her about something important. Hermione was very curious about that, for Ginny's eyes were sparkling with excited ness. So she takes her flowers with her –just in case Ron throw it to the fireplace- and followed Ginny to outside the Great Hall.

* * *

                           "Hermione, oh Hermione!" said Ginny with a great happiness.

                           "Yes, Ginny? What happen?" asked Hermione worriedly. Ginny was beginning to jump up and down; make her red hair flying around.        

Hermione was beginning to think that Ginny was sick or something.

                           "He send you roses Hermione, roses! Do you know what it means? Read this, hurry!" said Ginny when she saw Hermione shook her head.

                           Ginny handed her a huge book, and Hermione catch a glimpse of its name. Everything about Flowers. Ginny began flipping the pages like mad and Hermione couldn't do anything but stood still and watched her.         Suddenly Ginny stopped and smiled trimphatantly at Hermione. Grew very curious, Hermione bent her head and read…

                           Sunflowers

                                      Usually grows in a tropical place or at summers. These big and beautiful flowers have a bright yellow color. Easy to plant and grow well in area with a lot of sunlight. Sunflo-

                           Hermione was interrupted by Ginny, who lost her patience and pointing at one line eagerly. So Hermione fix her eyes on the spot, which Ginny pointed.

                           Sunflower means: I'll always watch you or I'll always like you, according to its mythology.

                                      Hermione remembered faintly the mythology about a Greek God, Apollo, God of Sun, and a girl who loved him. Slowly realization came into her and she went pink. She saw Ginny, who beamed at her.

                           "Ginny, it could be just a coincidence…"muttered Hermione, trying to sounded reasonable.

                           "Oh, shut up! You know it wasn't. Do you know what rose means?" asked Ginny, made Hermione grew very curious with her odd tones.

                           Ginny almost jumped when she told Hermione. "It means love." (Hermione blinked stupidly) "He loves you, Hermione!!!! Awww,,, that's so sweet, isn't it? Wish you know how many girls will die to have a secret admirer like you!!!"cried Ginny, screaming hysterically.

                           Hermione went deep red. If that's true, indeed she was the luckiest girl around. Like a girls in romance novel with their Prince Charming. But whoever send this flowers, why hadn't he show himself? If he really loves Hermione…Then Hermione found herself laughing. It was impossible!

                           How could she talk about such nonsense? Letting her girl feelings carried her away to dreams. It only happens in a story. Impossible a boy who (perhaps) never talked to her or barely knew her could fall in love. Maybe Ron's right, though, boys never raining girls with sweet flowers. Only one in a million, an extra romantic (plus rich) could afford buying his girl flower everyday. Yeah, maybe it was a joke to her. It could be everyone who was just bored and sent her flowers, which based in a random pick. Or, it could be her mother! Yes, why hadn't she thought about it before?                 

                           "Hermione?" said Ginny anxiously, when tears of laugh rolled in Hermione`s cheek. Quickly she sweep it and stood firmly again. Ginny gave a relieved sigh before said.

                           "You have to wonder alone, Hermione! Who knows, maybe he is waiting for a right time before he declared his love. Pheeewww, romantic!" sighed Ginny dreamily. Not wanting to disappoint Ginny Hermione pretended she would take Ginny's advice and they went apart.

* * *

                           "Wait, Hermione."

                           Hermione`s heart stopped dead upon hearing a boy's voice called her. She heard long and fast steps reaching her and Hermione grew more nervous. Was Ginny right? Taking a very deep breath Hermione turned around. Who she saw made her horror-stricken.

                           "What on earth-?"she muttered unconsciously under her breath.

                           It was he, a guy she avoided for weeks. Yet the one who took most of her thought. Yes, he was Draco Malfoy. Made a pain stab suddenly in Hermione`s heart. For Hermione`s torment, Malfoy looked very handsome. Her usually pale skin looked fair and the morning sunlight, which came through the big windows made his blonde hair, looked very transparent. His robes flying slowly as he took one last step towards Hermione. Hermione gulped.

                           "Hermione, can I have a word with you?" asked Malfoy, very politely. Hermione stood still, felt a sudden mixture of her own emotions. His voice, his words, was able to stirred up her stomach. She won't let her stupidity won again. Hermione remembered their encounters and decided she shouldn't let Malfoy have a `chance` anymore. Besides, its very curious he wanted to talk to her. To a Mudblood, thought Hermione bitterly.

                           Why couldn't she just said, "No, you can't." then leave him, she didn't know. It was there, stucked in her throat. In future times, often Hermione thought a lot about this time, which led to a much greater problem. She just stared at him, her face stiffened and she lost her words. At least, the good-looking creature that stood in front of him sighed and ran his fingers in his hair. Hermione looked down., calming her rapid beating heart. She looked up when heard Malfoy cleared his throat softly.

                           "Well…I knew you wouldn't let talk to you alone. After all what…happened. You should know that I don't mean to…erm…hurt you. And that's half of the reason why I need to talk to you. I-I…"Malfoy words hanged, made Hermione cocked her brow. Never she saw Malfoy went this red, not even when Prof Moody, or Barty Crouch Jr she should say, turned him into a white weasel (rather cute weasel, honestly!).Because now his face reddened, mostly in cheeks.

                           "Im sorry."

                           Very fast. Hermione barely catched the meanings. But when she catched it, it struck her, and frightened her. Okay, Malfoy NEVER said sorry, never ask somebody to forgive him, it was his trademark. Maybe his pride won't let him do that, no matter what he'd done. Now, He said that he was sorry to Hermione! What should she do?

                           "I won't do funny things again. I promise." said Malfoy seriously.

                           Quickly Hermione scanned him. Yes, didn't know why, but she knew he wouldn't do anything to her. He was 180 degrees from Draco Malfoy who trapped her beside the lake. Malfoy was very calm, his silvery eyes sparks clearly, almost like a crystal. Not a single trace of anger can be founded in his cool face. And again he stood coolly, very composed, with a nice manner and a healthy mind. Damn! Hermione felt her legs weakened. It's so unfair! Why it was always her who affected? How could Malfoy be that calm?

                           "You can save my wand for moment, okay? You have to believe me, Hermione. I just want to talk to you. Please?" asked Malfoy, made Hermione gave up upon hearing his last words. She knew it; she had a HUGE soft spot in her heart for Malfoy.

                           "Allright."said Hermione quietly, nodding. She took Malfoy`s wand and keep it in her right hand, made it ready, while her left hand still holding the rose bouquet. As she followed Malfoy silently to the empty Transfiguration class, she gripped her own wand firmly. Well, just in case…

* * *

                           At present, Hermione sat in the teacher desk firmly, with feet dangling around. Malfoy hadn't say anything to her…yet. He paced to and fro in this room; until Hermione was sure she could saw his round trace. She didn't say anything, for she thought it was better if she didn't play too soft with Malfoy. Knowing she will get crimson if she watched Malfoy too long, Hermione pretended to be attracted to outside.

                           It was a beautiful morning. Somewhat it's humid air made her believe it was going to rain. Hermione looked far and far away then remember Harry must be having his Final Practice right now. Because the Seeker Duel was 2 hours again. Then what is this Malfoy do? Pacing the room restlessly?

                           Hermione reached to her roses bouquet than drew it close. Admiring its beauty and graceful shape. Hermione inhaled its sweet scent once again. It reminded her strongly of fresh dew in the morning.

                           "You like that bouquet?"

                           Malfoy`s voice surprised her. She almost fell from the desk right away. Mustering her dignity Hermione answered.

                           "Well of course I like this. This is so beautiful. And I don't see any6 reason why you should care." said Hermione sarcastically. Nasty silence fell before them. Hermione watched Malfoy grew quite. Then suddenly he looked straight into Hermione`s eyes.

                           "It's me, Hermione."said Malfoy. "It's me who sent you those flowers."

To be continued…

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Okay, at least I've finished the 6th chapter of Hermione and Him…What, the sixth chapter? Yaaaaayyy! This is the first time I made a sixth chapter of a story. And it feels great! Thank you all for your reviews, it means so much to me! Sorry for those who wait. I was very busy with my Final Test and didn't have any time to write these. Now I made 16 pages long! Please read it, I hope it won't disappoint you. Oh, yeah, about my other story, Hermione and Him, I confessed (though it was very embarrassing) I don't have any idea about the ending! Heehee. If you have any idea, please help me! And I have a Lord of The Rings fever for days. I want to write about Arwen and Eowyn but scared. I don't want to ruin JRR Tolkien`s work! ;P So I will be glad if you can help me as beta-reader or just give me advices. BYEEE!