Chapter 22- Hermione's Summer: Swirling Colors of Love
~* Dear Draco,
I am very sorry that we have not been able to talk. I've been having some problems that still need to be taken care of. I wish I could see you, but unless you can come to India, I doubt that will happen. My family is going to India for the summer, so don't send anything to my house. I probably won't get it.
Also, I'll be doing a lot of studying this summer, so I'll be pretty busy. I don't think I'll have much time to write.
Affectionately, Hermione *~
She attached her reply to Rasputin's leg and watched him fly off. The next day she would be in another country, far far away. She would have even less of a chance to see Draco. At least she would have time to do her homework.
"All I ever do is homework," she said, frustrated.
"That's not such a bad thing," her mother said behind her. She turned quickly to face her. "Are you ready, Hermione?"
"Yes." She smiled. "I'm really glad we're doing this. Wow! I can't believe I'm going to be in India for two whole months!"
"You'll want to be going to the Weasleys' house when we come back, I assume?"
"I suppose," Hermione said. It would be a good idea. She knew she would miss her friends, and she liked having Ginny to talk to. And she would be able to see how Ron was acting toward the whole thing.
"Hermione, what is wrong? You've barely come out of your room since you came home. Tell me, did something happen at school?"
"There's this…boy at school…never mind, mum. It's hard to explain." She turned to the window again. She rubbed her bare arms, suddenly chilly.
"I'm sure you can manage, you're a brilliant girl." Mrs. Granger put her arm around Hermione's shoulders.
"I know *how* to say it, it's just- hard." Hermione looked at her mother, who was smiling sadly at her.
"Well, whenever you're ready, I'm here to listen."
"He's in Slytherin, and we've never gotten along, but then I started talking to him and he's really wonderful, and we started going out in secret, but then Harry and Ron found out and they hate him and they're making everything difficult for me and so now I can't see him because Ron might kill him if I do and why are you smiling?"
"Oh, honey, your first boyfriend! That's wonderful!" She hugged her daughter.
Hermione gaped at her, bewildered. "Um, did you hear all the rest of that?"
"Of course I did, but it will work itself out. Don't worry too much about it."
"But I miss him. I miss him a lot."
"Do you love him?" Her mother asked. Hermione did not answer right away.
************************************************************************
~* In three feet, detail Grindelwald's rise to power, and people's reactions to the Dark wizard. *~
She had decided to get History of Magic out of the way first, because even though she paid close attention, it was the most boring of all her subjects. She had managed to get through the first foot within the first half hour of the plane ride.
"Are you sure you should be doing that here, honey?" her mother asked. "Isn't there some kind of secrecy decree or something?"
"Oh, mum, no one pays any attention to what other people do on planes. Besides, I'll probably be done in another hour."
"Are you sure you don't want to watch the movie? It's something called 'Calling My Love'. I hear it's good."
"I don't want to ever hear that word again," Hermione said bluntly, returning her focus to her essay.
"Hermione, that was rude. Apologize to your mother right now."
She sighed. "I am sorry, mum. But- you know."
"Yes, honey."
"What do you know? Have you two been sharing secrets again?"
"Yes, and it's for girls' ears only, go away," Mrs. Granger said laughingly to her husband. Hermione resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she turned a page in her textbook.
By the time two hours had passed she had written and revised her History of Magic homework. She set it aside and leaned back in the chair. Their meal came, and she could not tell what it was, but it was supposed to be some Mexican dish that she could not remember the name of. She did not eat it. She wished she was of age, so she could turn it into something good and fill her stomach.
The rest of the ride was grossly uneventful. She was able to sleep for about an hour, but she spent most of the time staring at the changing landscape and wishing she was in the ror with Draco. Those were the best times of her life by far, and she missed them more than ever now that she was so far away from him.
Getting off the plane was a bit more exciting. Everywhere were people in brightly colored clothing, women in saris and beautiful sparkling jewelry. Periodically there would be a monkey seen scavenging in the bazaar. All manner of dazzlement for the senses could be found sold by the vendors.
Their house that they rented for the summer was just as beautiful. It was full of handmade ethnic decorations and made as comfortable as possible. Hermione loved everything about it, but she was not satisfied just sitting around.
"Mum, can I go outside, take a walk and see what's around here?"
"I'll come with you, Hermione. We don't want you walking all alone in a strange country."
As they were leaving, Hermione said, "I'm almost seventeen, you know. That's legal age in the wizarding world. This is our last summer together, and you're still treating me like a six-year-old."
"You have never been here before in your life, you don't know your way around. I don't want anything to happen to you. What was it you were looking for?"
Hermione saw, suddenly, a man appear out of a seemingly solid wall. "That." She ran after him. "Excuse me, sir? Where is the general non-Muggle community located around here?"
The man looked kindly down at her. He pointed out how to get into the magical portion of the town. It was called Kashih Labir.
It was an Indian version of Diagon Alley. That was the only way Hermione could describe it. They had all the same essential materials in each shop, but the writing was all Hindi, and the robes were more colorful. Hermione looked in every store, even the Quidditch store, wishing she was sharing this with someone who could appreciate the magical world.
She spent half her trip with her parents in Muggle India, and half in Kashih Labir. She took a liking to a certain restaurant in the magical area, owned by a middle-aged, portly wizard called Parbatlal Dubeyji. He spoke English well, though with a very pronounced accent.
One day when she was in his restaurant, she accidentally hinted about her dilemma with Draco. He stared at her for a moment, then sat down at her table and gave her words of wisdom.
"My mama once said to me, 'Love is like Indian clothing. It is colorful and swirls, and it is wonderful for dancing.' At first I said, what is that crazy woman talking about, but when I first fell in love I understood. Love is a bright, wonderful thing, full of color. Love is like you are dancing, whirling out of control, and you have to let it take you where it wants to go. You cannot control love, and no one else should be able to control you. When you find out who you love, nothing should keep you from them."
"Is my lunch ready yet?" Hermione asked glumly.
He returned a minute later with a full plate of chicken tandoori and a mango lassi. "The lassi is free for you, because you need to be cheered up."
Hermione thought about his words as she ate her meal. She knew he was right, but she really believed that Ron would try to hurt Draco. Oh, well, the least she could do was tell him why she had avoided him for the last month and a half of school.
~*Dear Miss Granger,
Enclosed is a list of school books and supplies you will need for your seventh year at Hogwarts.
Also, I am pleased to inform you that you have been made Head Girl.^…*~
She almost dropped the letter. Deep down, she had expected it, but she had never let herself believe that she would be Head Girl. After a few deep breaths, she read on.
~* Because of the nature of your duties and the collaboration required with the Head Boy, you will no longer live in Gryffindor House, though you still belong to it. You will share a dormitory with the Head Boy, who for the coming year will be Draco Malfoy of Slytherin House. The two of you will work with the Headmaster to plan certain larger events, and alone for other events, such as Hogsmeade weekends. You will organize all decorations for the castle this year. Also, you will be available to help younger students at all times, and you will oversee detentions.
I hope you are looking forward to your year as Head Girl. See you September 1st!
Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress, Hogwarts School*~
If she was going to share a dormitory with Draco all year, then they could not possibly avoid each other. Ron would just have to get over his hate complex and learn to live with her choice in boyfriends.
She hoped it wouldn't be too stressful this year.
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"Hermione!" Ginny squealed, throwing her arms around her as she stepped out of the fireplace. "I missed you! I've had to hang around with the boys all summer! And they're a little sickening," she added in an undertone, earning a giggle from Hermione.
"Hey, Hermione," Harry said. He and Ron had just entered the room, attracted by Ginny's loud announcement of her arrival. She hugged each of them, Ron more reluctantly. "How was your summer?"
"It was wonderful! I have presents for all of you, but I want to get settled first. I spent all of yesterday on a plane."
"You're in my room, Hermione. Come on, guys, help us carry up her stuff."
"You'd think we were house-elves," Ron said dryly to Harry.
"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed. She had just about given up on S.P.E.W. No one wanted to free the house-elves. But she still felt bad for them, and all the work they had to do without being paid.
When her thinks had been hauled up to Ginny's room, and Crookshanks was curling himself happily around everyone's legs, she said, "Go down to the living room, and I'll bring you your presents. Go. Now. Go on, you guys!" They reluctantly left, and she sorted through the findings in her trunk to pull out their gifts.
Ginny opened hers first. Hermione had gotten her a full Indian outfit, and a bracelet, anklet, and belt with bells. "Wow, Hermione! It's so beautiful!"
"I thought the blue would look great with your hair," Hermione said. "It's for belly dancing. I can show you how, I learned a little."
"That would be so much fun! Thank you, Hermione!" Ginny hugged her tightly, then ran out immediately to try on her gift.
She had gotten Harry and Ron both the same thing; broomstick servicing kits. At first they were confused. "We already have these, Hermione…"
"Not ones like this. The handle polish has special Indian oil, it works better than the stuff we have, and the twig clippers are unbreakable, unbendable, flexible, and foldable. They take broom care quite seriously in India."
"Wow, that's great! Thanks!" Ron said excitedly.
"Yeah, thanks. I…whoa. Is that you, Ginny, or is it the Devi?"
Ginny had entered again, wearing her sea blue Indian clothing. Her smooth, flat stomach was exposed, and she looked very tall and slim. Not that she normally didn't. She jingled whenever she walked.
"You look amazing, Ginny! I am so jealous."
"I'm sure you look amazing in yours, Hermione. What color is it?"
"It's red and orange," Hermione replied. "I look okay, but not anything like you."
Mrs. Weasley entered. "Ginny, whatever are you wearing?!"
"It's from India. Hermione gave it to me. What do you think?" She whirled, making the skirt fan out around her.
"I think you look beautiful, but you had better not wear it in public."
After dinner that night, Ginny dragged Hermione up to their room. "Okay, what is going on?"
"What do you mean?"
"Harry and Ron may be oblivious, but *my* boyfriend is miles away. I see how you've been. You're too quiet, and you haven't even asked how I did on my O.W.L.s."
"That's right! You took them last year. How did you do?"
"You're not getting away that easily."
"I will tell you, Ginny, I promise. Just answer my questions first."
"I got thirteen O.W.L.s. Excellent in History of Magic and Divination, Outstanding in everything else. Apparently someone got hold of the names of people who were able to produce corporeal Patroni. All of D.A. got extra points on our Defense O.W.L."
"That's great, Ginny! Okay, just one more question, and then I'll tell you. Have Harry and Ron told you mother yet?"
"Oh, yes. They told her and Dad, but they made them promise not to tell our brothers. I think they're going to end up finding out anyway. Okay, so spill it. What is wrong with you?"
"I've just been pining all summer. India was wonderful, but I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't having this problem with Draco. Ron can be such a git. Do you know if he's cooled down about it?"
"I haven't heard him mention it since the beginning of July. He muttered a little, and glared at a gnome, but other than that he seemed all right. But I don't know. You'd have to ask him."
"This is terrible! I'm going to have such a hard time if Ron doesn't get over this."
"Why? What happened?"
"Other than what was already stressing me? Well, I was made Head Girl."
Ginny stared for a moment. "And *you* think that's terrible?"
"Well, it all has to do with who was made Head Boy."
End Chapter 22
Okay, so one third of this summer is over!! You'll get it in two chapters.
Ten house points to anyone who can find the movie reference (and name the movie). Please specify your house.
Thank you mednar for your extra long review. Thank everyone else for your reviews, no matter how long they are.
REVIEW now for…um…orange…and…purple confetti.
~* Dear Draco,
I am very sorry that we have not been able to talk. I've been having some problems that still need to be taken care of. I wish I could see you, but unless you can come to India, I doubt that will happen. My family is going to India for the summer, so don't send anything to my house. I probably won't get it.
Also, I'll be doing a lot of studying this summer, so I'll be pretty busy. I don't think I'll have much time to write.
Affectionately, Hermione *~
She attached her reply to Rasputin's leg and watched him fly off. The next day she would be in another country, far far away. She would have even less of a chance to see Draco. At least she would have time to do her homework.
"All I ever do is homework," she said, frustrated.
"That's not such a bad thing," her mother said behind her. She turned quickly to face her. "Are you ready, Hermione?"
"Yes." She smiled. "I'm really glad we're doing this. Wow! I can't believe I'm going to be in India for two whole months!"
"You'll want to be going to the Weasleys' house when we come back, I assume?"
"I suppose," Hermione said. It would be a good idea. She knew she would miss her friends, and she liked having Ginny to talk to. And she would be able to see how Ron was acting toward the whole thing.
"Hermione, what is wrong? You've barely come out of your room since you came home. Tell me, did something happen at school?"
"There's this…boy at school…never mind, mum. It's hard to explain." She turned to the window again. She rubbed her bare arms, suddenly chilly.
"I'm sure you can manage, you're a brilliant girl." Mrs. Granger put her arm around Hermione's shoulders.
"I know *how* to say it, it's just- hard." Hermione looked at her mother, who was smiling sadly at her.
"Well, whenever you're ready, I'm here to listen."
"He's in Slytherin, and we've never gotten along, but then I started talking to him and he's really wonderful, and we started going out in secret, but then Harry and Ron found out and they hate him and they're making everything difficult for me and so now I can't see him because Ron might kill him if I do and why are you smiling?"
"Oh, honey, your first boyfriend! That's wonderful!" She hugged her daughter.
Hermione gaped at her, bewildered. "Um, did you hear all the rest of that?"
"Of course I did, but it will work itself out. Don't worry too much about it."
"But I miss him. I miss him a lot."
"Do you love him?" Her mother asked. Hermione did not answer right away.
************************************************************************
~* In three feet, detail Grindelwald's rise to power, and people's reactions to the Dark wizard. *~
She had decided to get History of Magic out of the way first, because even though she paid close attention, it was the most boring of all her subjects. She had managed to get through the first foot within the first half hour of the plane ride.
"Are you sure you should be doing that here, honey?" her mother asked. "Isn't there some kind of secrecy decree or something?"
"Oh, mum, no one pays any attention to what other people do on planes. Besides, I'll probably be done in another hour."
"Are you sure you don't want to watch the movie? It's something called 'Calling My Love'. I hear it's good."
"I don't want to ever hear that word again," Hermione said bluntly, returning her focus to her essay.
"Hermione, that was rude. Apologize to your mother right now."
She sighed. "I am sorry, mum. But- you know."
"Yes, honey."
"What do you know? Have you two been sharing secrets again?"
"Yes, and it's for girls' ears only, go away," Mrs. Granger said laughingly to her husband. Hermione resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she turned a page in her textbook.
By the time two hours had passed she had written and revised her History of Magic homework. She set it aside and leaned back in the chair. Their meal came, and she could not tell what it was, but it was supposed to be some Mexican dish that she could not remember the name of. She did not eat it. She wished she was of age, so she could turn it into something good and fill her stomach.
The rest of the ride was grossly uneventful. She was able to sleep for about an hour, but she spent most of the time staring at the changing landscape and wishing she was in the ror with Draco. Those were the best times of her life by far, and she missed them more than ever now that she was so far away from him.
Getting off the plane was a bit more exciting. Everywhere were people in brightly colored clothing, women in saris and beautiful sparkling jewelry. Periodically there would be a monkey seen scavenging in the bazaar. All manner of dazzlement for the senses could be found sold by the vendors.
Their house that they rented for the summer was just as beautiful. It was full of handmade ethnic decorations and made as comfortable as possible. Hermione loved everything about it, but she was not satisfied just sitting around.
"Mum, can I go outside, take a walk and see what's around here?"
"I'll come with you, Hermione. We don't want you walking all alone in a strange country."
As they were leaving, Hermione said, "I'm almost seventeen, you know. That's legal age in the wizarding world. This is our last summer together, and you're still treating me like a six-year-old."
"You have never been here before in your life, you don't know your way around. I don't want anything to happen to you. What was it you were looking for?"
Hermione saw, suddenly, a man appear out of a seemingly solid wall. "That." She ran after him. "Excuse me, sir? Where is the general non-Muggle community located around here?"
The man looked kindly down at her. He pointed out how to get into the magical portion of the town. It was called Kashih Labir.
It was an Indian version of Diagon Alley. That was the only way Hermione could describe it. They had all the same essential materials in each shop, but the writing was all Hindi, and the robes were more colorful. Hermione looked in every store, even the Quidditch store, wishing she was sharing this with someone who could appreciate the magical world.
She spent half her trip with her parents in Muggle India, and half in Kashih Labir. She took a liking to a certain restaurant in the magical area, owned by a middle-aged, portly wizard called Parbatlal Dubeyji. He spoke English well, though with a very pronounced accent.
One day when she was in his restaurant, she accidentally hinted about her dilemma with Draco. He stared at her for a moment, then sat down at her table and gave her words of wisdom.
"My mama once said to me, 'Love is like Indian clothing. It is colorful and swirls, and it is wonderful for dancing.' At first I said, what is that crazy woman talking about, but when I first fell in love I understood. Love is a bright, wonderful thing, full of color. Love is like you are dancing, whirling out of control, and you have to let it take you where it wants to go. You cannot control love, and no one else should be able to control you. When you find out who you love, nothing should keep you from them."
"Is my lunch ready yet?" Hermione asked glumly.
He returned a minute later with a full plate of chicken tandoori and a mango lassi. "The lassi is free for you, because you need to be cheered up."
Hermione thought about his words as she ate her meal. She knew he was right, but she really believed that Ron would try to hurt Draco. Oh, well, the least she could do was tell him why she had avoided him for the last month and a half of school.
~*Dear Miss Granger,
Enclosed is a list of school books and supplies you will need for your seventh year at Hogwarts.
Also, I am pleased to inform you that you have been made Head Girl.^…*~
She almost dropped the letter. Deep down, she had expected it, but she had never let herself believe that she would be Head Girl. After a few deep breaths, she read on.
~* Because of the nature of your duties and the collaboration required with the Head Boy, you will no longer live in Gryffindor House, though you still belong to it. You will share a dormitory with the Head Boy, who for the coming year will be Draco Malfoy of Slytherin House. The two of you will work with the Headmaster to plan certain larger events, and alone for other events, such as Hogsmeade weekends. You will organize all decorations for the castle this year. Also, you will be available to help younger students at all times, and you will oversee detentions.
I hope you are looking forward to your year as Head Girl. See you September 1st!
Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress, Hogwarts School*~
If she was going to share a dormitory with Draco all year, then they could not possibly avoid each other. Ron would just have to get over his hate complex and learn to live with her choice in boyfriends.
She hoped it wouldn't be too stressful this year.
************************************************************************
"Hermione!" Ginny squealed, throwing her arms around her as she stepped out of the fireplace. "I missed you! I've had to hang around with the boys all summer! And they're a little sickening," she added in an undertone, earning a giggle from Hermione.
"Hey, Hermione," Harry said. He and Ron had just entered the room, attracted by Ginny's loud announcement of her arrival. She hugged each of them, Ron more reluctantly. "How was your summer?"
"It was wonderful! I have presents for all of you, but I want to get settled first. I spent all of yesterday on a plane."
"You're in my room, Hermione. Come on, guys, help us carry up her stuff."
"You'd think we were house-elves," Ron said dryly to Harry.
"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed. She had just about given up on S.P.E.W. No one wanted to free the house-elves. But she still felt bad for them, and all the work they had to do without being paid.
When her thinks had been hauled up to Ginny's room, and Crookshanks was curling himself happily around everyone's legs, she said, "Go down to the living room, and I'll bring you your presents. Go. Now. Go on, you guys!" They reluctantly left, and she sorted through the findings in her trunk to pull out their gifts.
Ginny opened hers first. Hermione had gotten her a full Indian outfit, and a bracelet, anklet, and belt with bells. "Wow, Hermione! It's so beautiful!"
"I thought the blue would look great with your hair," Hermione said. "It's for belly dancing. I can show you how, I learned a little."
"That would be so much fun! Thank you, Hermione!" Ginny hugged her tightly, then ran out immediately to try on her gift.
She had gotten Harry and Ron both the same thing; broomstick servicing kits. At first they were confused. "We already have these, Hermione…"
"Not ones like this. The handle polish has special Indian oil, it works better than the stuff we have, and the twig clippers are unbreakable, unbendable, flexible, and foldable. They take broom care quite seriously in India."
"Wow, that's great! Thanks!" Ron said excitedly.
"Yeah, thanks. I…whoa. Is that you, Ginny, or is it the Devi?"
Ginny had entered again, wearing her sea blue Indian clothing. Her smooth, flat stomach was exposed, and she looked very tall and slim. Not that she normally didn't. She jingled whenever she walked.
"You look amazing, Ginny! I am so jealous."
"I'm sure you look amazing in yours, Hermione. What color is it?"
"It's red and orange," Hermione replied. "I look okay, but not anything like you."
Mrs. Weasley entered. "Ginny, whatever are you wearing?!"
"It's from India. Hermione gave it to me. What do you think?" She whirled, making the skirt fan out around her.
"I think you look beautiful, but you had better not wear it in public."
After dinner that night, Ginny dragged Hermione up to their room. "Okay, what is going on?"
"What do you mean?"
"Harry and Ron may be oblivious, but *my* boyfriend is miles away. I see how you've been. You're too quiet, and you haven't even asked how I did on my O.W.L.s."
"That's right! You took them last year. How did you do?"
"You're not getting away that easily."
"I will tell you, Ginny, I promise. Just answer my questions first."
"I got thirteen O.W.L.s. Excellent in History of Magic and Divination, Outstanding in everything else. Apparently someone got hold of the names of people who were able to produce corporeal Patroni. All of D.A. got extra points on our Defense O.W.L."
"That's great, Ginny! Okay, just one more question, and then I'll tell you. Have Harry and Ron told you mother yet?"
"Oh, yes. They told her and Dad, but they made them promise not to tell our brothers. I think they're going to end up finding out anyway. Okay, so spill it. What is wrong with you?"
"I've just been pining all summer. India was wonderful, but I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't having this problem with Draco. Ron can be such a git. Do you know if he's cooled down about it?"
"I haven't heard him mention it since the beginning of July. He muttered a little, and glared at a gnome, but other than that he seemed all right. But I don't know. You'd have to ask him."
"This is terrible! I'm going to have such a hard time if Ron doesn't get over this."
"Why? What happened?"
"Other than what was already stressing me? Well, I was made Head Girl."
Ginny stared for a moment. "And *you* think that's terrible?"
"Well, it all has to do with who was made Head Boy."
End Chapter 22
Okay, so one third of this summer is over!! You'll get it in two chapters.
Ten house points to anyone who can find the movie reference (and name the movie). Please specify your house.
Thank you mednar for your extra long review. Thank everyone else for your reviews, no matter how long they are.
REVIEW now for…um…orange…and…purple confetti.