6. Thanks for Nothing
On their way back to the Burrow, Harry made it clear that he did not
want to talk to Dumbledore about his scar, or anything they had witnessed
during their visit to Diagon Alley. Hermione had been urging him to see
Dumbledore, but Harry had screamed NO! and shut her up.
When they walked in, they saw Mrs. Weasley with Percy at the kitchen
table. They were discussing something of serious matter so all three
of them fled upstairs and into Ron's room. "Nope, no blood. Those things plug you up good!" Ron grinned as he checked his sheets where Hermione had slept last night. Hermione rolled her eyes and sat down next to Harry. "Ron, what was it you really wanted to tell me when Harry took floo to Diagon?" she smirked. Ron's ears reddened and he sat down on Harry's right. He was about to answer when they heard a commotion outside Ron's window. A gigantic eagle fluttered up and was pecking at the window. Hedwig hooted at it and Pigwidgeon was flying all around his cage. Ron opened the window and the eagle landed on Harry's leg. Its talons ripped into his flesh. He looked into its eyes and was relieved to see that they were small, black and beady. When Harry had untied the letter, the eagle took flight, cutting Harry's thigh as it did so. He opened the letter.
Thanks Potter.
"That's Malfoy's handwriting," Hermione said taking the letter from Harry. "And that was Malfoy's eagle." Harry laughed as Ron's face was pulled into an upset frown. "Oh and how would you know? Secretly sending letters to Malfoy?" Hermione gave Ron her famous glare and turned back to Harry. "You think his dad made him do it?" she asked. "No way! Mr. Malfoy wouldn't thank me for anything!" Harry gawked. "But neither would Malfoy." He tossed the letter aside and started packing his trunk for the departure tomorrow on the Hogwarts Express.
"Can't wait to school," Ron sighed.
"You don't sound too happy about it," Harry said. When no one said anything else, Ron and Hermione started packing as well.
"What the devil are you doing here?" Mr. Weasley yelled when he walked through the door, only to be greeted by Percy's smiling face. He looked at Molly with the first sign of rage Harry had ever seen in his eyes before. "How could you let this into our house again?" he interrogated Mrs. Weasley.
"Arthur calm down. He got fired and has apologized and everything. It's alright."
"Percy? Fired? My ass he's fired! He's probably doing some inside job for Fudge. Trying to see if we have anymore flying cars! Which we don't," Mr. Weasley huffed.
"Dad, no I truly am fired," Percy said barely audibly. "Lucius took my place" Mr. Weasley let down his guard.
"Well I'm sorry to-wait a tick! They can't hire Lucius! He's a bloody Death Eater!"
"Fudge doesn't know that, well he doesn't want to believe that so to say," Percy said with a little more pride. Mr. Weasley followed Mrs. Weasley and Percy back into the kitchen where dinner was set. Ginny had gotten home a few minutes after Harry, Ron, and Hermione and was already starting to eat. Fred and George weren't back yet. Dinner was as uneventful as packing their school trunks. Apparently, Ron had missed out on the part where Mrs. Weasley sentenced his punishment to two days, so Hermione was once again in Harry's room.
"So you think Ron was going to tell you how he felt?" Harry asked, double checking to make sure he had packed everything. Hermione was doing the same.
"Yeah, he wouldn't look me in the eye when he was talking. What would I say if he did tell me Harry?"
"I dunno. I'm not good with this type of stuff," Harry said. Hermione laughed a little.
"Well what would you like to hear?"
"I'd just like her to say something about liking me back or-Hermione I don't know. I've never told anyone that I fancied them," he grumbled, shutting his trunk and flopping onto his bed. "But I guess if someone told me that they fancied me, I'd just tell them how I felt towards them." Hermione walked over to his bed and sat down.
"I can't be honest with Ron. He's not as open as you are," she said.
"I'm not all that open Hermy," Harry chuckled.
"With me you are." He stayed silent. It was true; he was a bit more open when it was just Hermione and him. "Anyway, I used to like him, and now I'm not sure if I do or not and I-I just couldn't do that to poor Ron." There was a loud snap and Fred and George appeared right in front of them. Hermione flinched and Harry sat up so fast that he felt dizzy.
"Forgot you can apparate," he mumbled under his breath. The twins were smirking at both of them.
"Well," George said. "Well, well, well."
"Looks like 'Mione here is cheatin' on Ron," Fred sneered. Hermione let out a frustrated sigh and sat down on her own bed.
"Looks like you're getting a pretty good deal Harry," Fred laughed. "She's certainly changed." At this remark, Hermione grabbed a pillow and hugged it to her.
"Stop it guys. Ron got in trouble for breaking a window and has to sleep in Ginny's room.with Ginny," Harry informed them. Did I just stick up for Hermione? I knew they were just joking around, Harry wondered.
"Ah well.just as long as Hermione doesn't come out baring a baby."
"George!" Hermione gasped and struck him with the pillow. The twins walked out of the room chuckling at themselves.
"So, as I was say-,"
"Oh shoot! I didn't finish Snape's essay that he assigned this summer," Harry lied, trying to get the subject changed.
"Well better do it now!" Hermione urged, being unable to resist her love for homework.
"Nah, I'll just do it on the train. I'm too tired. Let me go get my clothes and I'll go change in the bathroom. Lock the door this time," Harry said as he got up to go get his night clothes.
"No I'll change in the bathroom this time Harry," Hermione said and before Harry could argue, she ran out the door, clothes dangling from her arm. Harry got changed quickly and when Hermione came back in, she found him sitting on the bed waiting for her to come back in. Harry's eyelids were heavy; he truly was tired, but he had one thing on his mind that he couldn't shake off.
"Hermione," he said very seriously, "why did you kiss me?" She looked horrified at the question, but her terror was quickly hidden behind a shade of pink.
"Are you really that, um, clueless Harry?" He became bewildered.
"Well I don't know exactly what to think. When Cho," he had a very hard time discussing Cho's and his "little" kiss, "when Cho went and kissed me, I thought she liked me, but now she's dating Michael Corner. Your kiss, well, it could have just been one of those, ya know, friendly kisses?" It was more of a question than statement. Though, Harry knew it was more than a friendly kiss.
"So everything between us is friendly?" Hermione asked as a frown set across her face.
"Only if you want it to be," Harry finished up quickly. This seemed to redeem himself because Hermione's face relaxed. "It's just, I've known you for so long and I didn't know you liked me the same way."
"Liked the same-what?" Hermione sputtered, a tint of joy in her voice.
"Yeah," Harry blushed a little. "I've been meaning to tell you-," but he was cut off by a desperate voice from behind the door.
"Harry, lemme in!" It was Ron. Harry walked over and opened the door and Ron ran in. He took a seat next to Hermione.
"Didn't want Mum to hear me. It's so boring in there with Ginny. All she does is sleep," he half exclaimed half whispered. Harry laughed at this comment. Poor Ron, he thought.
"Ron! Think what will happen to you if you're caught!"
"He won't get caught," Harry defended him. Hermione's lips pursed slightly.
"So what have you two been up to?" Ron asked, winking at Harry.
"You say that so suspiciously," Harry added irritated that someone from the Weasley family always seemed to walk in on Harry and Hermione's private conversations. However, his feeling of irritation disappeared as he thought about all the things he had been hiding from Ron.
"Oh we have been up to a lot," Hermione whispered into his ear while patting his thigh. Ron squirmed and looked over at Harry who was smiling at Hermione as she flirted with him. But then Hermione pulled away and gently smacked Ron on the back of the head. "Of course we haven't been up to anything! I can't even be trusted by my best friend!"
"How can I be sure?" Ron asked in a non-sarcastic tone. At this, Hermione walked over to Harry's bed and pulled him into a kiss. It was more passionate than last time, especially because she kept running her hands up and down his back. Harry eventually picked his hands off the bed and put them lightly on Hermione's waist. She pulled away and Harry's face contorted into a look of bewilderment, excitement, and fear. Ron's jaw was dropped and his eyes bulged. Harry's eyes were darting around the room, waiting for Hermione's explanation for her actions.
"Ron, take a close look at Harry's face. If we had been fooling around, you think he wouldn't have looked so.so-,"
"Turned on?" Ron mumbled, still talking with his jaw hanging down to the floor.
"What was that?" Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"Nothin'," he mumbled back.
"Anyway, you think he wouldn't have looked so surprised," she finally finished. No, Ron had it right, Harry thought dreamily. What am I thinking? I can't be falling for her. She's Ron's love! Ron's jaw quickly shot back up.
"Harry, quick, assume Hermy and I have been fooling around behind your back!" They chuckled half-heartedly at this, though Harry still had an uneasy feeling swelling inside him. Then they froze as they saw light flood from under the door and sleepy whispers.
"Mum heard us!" Ron informed them all. "I gotta go!"
"'Night Ron," Harry and Hermione said in unison. Ron darted back out the door and into his room just in time. A few seconds later Mrs. Weasley poked her weary head into the room.
"You two shouldn't be up this late. We're going to have to get up early for King's Cross tomorrow."
"Sorry Mrs. Weasley. We were just about to say good night," Hermione apologized, but Mrs. Weasley ignored this.
"Are you alright Harry?" She looked down at him. He was sweating a tad bit. "Err, yeah fine," he said. His answer satisfied her and she closed the door and switched out that light. Hermione was stifling giggles.
"What are you laughing at?" Harry asked nervously.
"Nothing Harry," she answered laughing. "'Night" Harry pulled the covers up to his shoulders and shut his sleep eyes. His thoughts kept shifting from Quidditch to the little stunt Hermione had pulled in front of Ron. Smiling to himself, Harry couldn't decide which one he liked better. Stop it! You only like Hermione as a friend! Plus she's Ron's girl remember? These thoughts kept playing over and over in his mind, until he finally drifted into a light sleep.
Morning came faster than Harry thought it had ever had. He woke up before Hermione and triple checked that he had packed absolutely everything. He was tucking his wand into his jeans when Ron walked in. He looked tired and upset.
"Hiya Harry," he greeted. Harry nodded his head in his direction and then cocked his head towards Hermione.
"Hey Ron could you wake her for me?"
"With pleasure," Ron said, his face gaining its usual glow. Ron flumped with all his might down on Hermione's bed. She shot up in alarm. "Morning," Ron shouted flashing a big grin. Hermione groaned as she propped herself up on her elbows. Hedwig hooted happily in her cage as Harry picked her up and walked downstairs to place her by the door.
"We're not leaving yet Harry. You don't have to drag the trunk down," Ron said.
"I know. I'm just sort of excited to get back to school." This was true. Ever since Harry's life time ban from Quidditch had been lifted, he was so eager to get to the pitch to just fly around and collect his thoughts.
"Well you don't seem to be the only one," Ron nodded towards Hermione who was looking through her books to make sure everyone was there. She then hurried out of the room, and then almost as instantly as she dashed away, she ran back in, fully clothed. Harry and Ron watched her bustle around and tidy up her trunk in a caffeinated sort of way. As soon as she was done, the three of them headed down to breakfast. No surprise when Harry came down to a breakfast fit to feed twenty when there was only the four of them (Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley).
"Where's dad?" Ginny asked.
"He had an appointment with Mr. Fudge and Percy," she answered, setting glasses of pumpkin juice in front of all them. They ate quickly, especially Harry, and then pulled all their belongings to the car. Ron eyed the car as if he had never seen it. "Percy and your Dad apparated there. He picked up this car from the ministry last night," Mrs. Weasley informed Ron. It was a tight fit. Ron had to sit in the front (since he was the tallest) and Harry, Hermione, and Ginny were all squeezed into the back. Because Harry was so eager and excited about Hogwarts, the ride to King's Cross seemed to be the longest ever.
"Wonder who our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is going to be," Ron said. Harry chuckled sarcastically.
"I'd take anyone, even Snape, just as long as it isn't Umbridge again," he said.
"Who would teach Potions then?" asked Ginny.
"Doesn't matter to me. Maybe if Snape did get the job, we'd get a better Potions teacher and I could finally start passing that class," Ron said.
"You haven't been passing?" Mrs. Weasley raised her voice. Harry saw Ron shift nervously in his seat.
"I meant, err, passing.passing, um-well yes I have been passing, just I meant, passing with a better grade," Ron finally managed to spit out. Mrs. Weasley raised a questioning eyebrow.
"I hope it's someone like Moody or Lupin," Hermione input. "Well, the real Moody that is. Not that Crouch. He was just awful." Everyone murmured in agreement.
"Well I hope it's someone who really knows and understands this stuff. Someone who can relate," Ginny said. Harry nodded. He thought back to Ewan and how he knew Dumbledore. The conversation seemed to help pass the time and eventually all five of them reached King's Cross with only a few minutes to spare. One by one, they took their turns casually leaning up against the barrier and slipping through the gate to the Hogwarts Express.
"Have a good time dears! Oh and be safe!" Mrs. Weasley shouted from the platform up to the train where the four of them where.
"We will! Thanks for having me stay with you!" Hermione shouted back.
"Yes, thanks a bunch Mrs. Weasley," Harry yelled.
"No problem dears!"
"Bye Mum!" Ron and Ginny shouted at the same time. And with all goodbyes said, the train started its journey to Hogwarts. Lucky for the four of them, they had snagged a compartment to themselves. Ginny left within the first five minutes to go and find Dean, leaving Harry, Ron, and Hermione to themselves.
"I can't wait for our first practice," Harry sighed. "I missed it so much."
"Yeah and maybe our Beaters will get better," Hermione laughed as Ron said this.
"What's so funny?" Ron asked before Harry had the chance to, but Harry, amused at the state Hermione had gotten herself into, started laughing also.
"What!?" Ron cried. The two of them shook their heads.
"I'm just laughing because she is," Harry answered. Ron stared at Hermione who had thrown her head back and was now cackling, began to laugh a little himself. They were all laughing at each other, holding their sides when the compartment door slid open.
"I hate interrupting your little giggle fest here, but prefects are wanted up at the front of the train," came a long drawling voice. Harry knew too well that this was the voice of Draco Malfoy. Malfoy had a nice bruise to add to his other one around his eye and was wearing what looked like a corset.
"I thought only girls wore those Malfoy," Ron smirked. Malfoy grabbed Ron by his robes and threw him up against the compartment door.
"You try having your ribs broken Weasley. But then again, I wouldn't want you to break your ribs. Seeing that your family is so poor now that your perfect brother got fired, it would take forever to pay off your medical bill," he sneered. Ron raised a fist but a hand caught it.
"Don't even bother Ron. Anywhere you hit, well, it's already broken by his father," Hermione said, knowing that this struck a nerve with Malfoy. He dropped Ron and turned to Hermione.
"That Death Eater was not my father understand me? And if you go around telling people that he did this to me, I'll tell my father about your Time Turner," he whispered.
"How do you know about that?" she asked terrified. Malfoy just smiled and didn't bother to answer her question. He turned to Harry, gave him one look, and then turned back to Ron and Hermione.
"Let's go," he said and walked out of the room without waiting for them.
"See you in a bit," said Ron. Hermione just sort of smiled at him and then they were gone. Great. Another train ride without Ron and- his thought was interrupted by a face that poked in from behind the door.
"I have to talk to you later Potter," Malfoy said and then slammed the sliding door shut. Harry was shocked. What could Malfoy possibly want to talk to him about? He didn't give it much thought and stared out the window watching the countryside blur past him. The door opened once again.
"Good you're alone," said a very shaky female voice. Harry recognized this voice instantly and spun around.
"Oh.hi," he greeted unenthusiastically. "Well come on in." Cho Chang took a seat across from Harry. She was unable to meet his eyes.
"I'm sorry," she started, staring at her feet.
"About what?" he asked before realizing how stupid he must have just now sounded.
"About your godfather. Loony told me."
"It's Luna," Harry said defensively. "But thanks," he added quickly. Cho gave him a suspicious look and little tear drops started forming in the corners of her eyes. Harry took a deep breath in annoyance and then told her, "Don't start crying. I'm not crying so you shouldn't be."
"I know," her voice shook. "I just feel bad. I know how you feel." The tears had started coming.
"Why is it every time you're with me you start crying?" She looked up at him surprised.
"Y.you just remind me so much of Cedric. I mean.y.you came out carrying his b..b..body," she choked out through tears. Harry started chewing his lower lip agitated.
"Cho, I don't really want to talk about Cedric right now okay? So if that's what you came here to talk about then, well," he took a minute to consider what he was about to say. He really wanted things to work about between them, but he also had the strong desire for her to leave. He didn't finish his sentence and instead fell silent. Cho was now wiping her eyes on her the hem of her sleeve.
"I just wanted to also apologize, again, for Marietta. She shouldn't have snitched on us," she sounded like she truly meant it.
"Yeah." was all he could force out.
"And I also came in here," her freshly dried eyes filled with tears again, "to tell you that it's my last year here and I want to leave here on good terms with you." Harry was relieved to hear these words. She's not crying! He thought happily. He smiled at her.
"Okay sure," he agreed. Cho rose from her seat, give Harry a little kiss on the cheek and then left. He leaned his back against the window and spread out on the compartment seat. His relieved, happy feeling only lasted a few minutes. It ended abruptly when Malfoy made his way over to Harry's compartment. He knocked this time.
"What?"
"Need to talk Potter. Don't get your knickers in a bunch," Malfoy snarled, hating the fact that he couldn't just barge in like he normally did.
"Well come in then," Harry gestured reluctantly. Malfoy let himself in being careful not to bang the brace around his ribs on any corners. He was looking down, eyes barely visible behind those brutal bruises.
"Thanks," Malfoy muttered.
"What was that?" Harry asked slyly.
"I said 'thanks' Potter," Malfoy replied now looking at Harry angrily. "Thank you for helping me away from that Death Eater."
"You mean your dad?"
"Damn it Potter! Can't you just say 'you're welcome' instead of accusing my father of every bad thing that happens to me?"
"Yeah well now you know what it's like to have your parents bad- mouthed!" Harry shouted furiously into Malfoy's face. "Just wait to you feel how badly it hurts when someone talks bad about your friends! Wait, I forgot, you don't have any." Malfoy's jaw was slightly open. His bruised eyes narrowed in a disgusted manner. Then he broke out in his famous sneer.
"You think smart remarks like that are going to get to me?" he spat.
"Ones about your father certainly do," Harry sneered back. Malfoy looked like he had just been slapped in the face with a leather glove. Harry fought hard to keep a straight face. Just then, Malfoy's fist lunged at Harry's nose. Harry stumbled back; blood was dripping into his hands. He raised a fist and punched Malfoy in the brace. Malfoy crumpled to the floor howling in pain. He was clutching his chest trying to take in big breaths of air, but the brace was constricting him. Harry saw furious flames flicker in Malfoy's pupils and before he knew it, Harry crashed to the ground. Apparently, Malfoy had kicked Harry in the knee. Harry tried to stand up, but his knee gave a heavy protest and wouldn't let him. Malfoy got to his knees and jumped on top of Harry, punching him. Harry finally threw Malfoy off him, fought against his protesting knee, and grabbed him by the throat. His fist sat behind his ear, ready to strike.
"Harry what's going on?" Hermione shrieked as she entered.
"Cool a fight!" Ron shouted. At this, kids started flocking to the source of the comment. Hermione gave Ron a I-strongly-disapproved-of-what- you-just-said look and made him shoe the eager faces away.
"What's going on?" she asked impatiently. Harry opened his mouth to speak, but just then Malfoy's foot made contact with Harry's lower midriff. He sank to the floor, quivering in pain.
"My father was not that Death Eater! Understand me?" Malfoy hissed, clutching his side. "Understand ME!?" Harry groaned. Ron pushed past Malfoy to try and help Harry up, but Malfoy pushed him right back.
"You hit below the belt Malfoy! I didn't think you could go much lower!" Ron snarled.
"This is between me and Potter and that's not as low as living like you do Weasley," Malfoy huffed. Hermione had to hold Ron back.
"I didn't have to thank you, and still I did," Malfoy stared down at Harry. "And I'm still going to say thanks even after what you said about my father." Harry had stopped shaking and was breathing more easily. "So thanks Potter. Thanks for ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!" Malfoy roared. He spat blood onto Harry's shoes and left the compartment in shallow breaths.
On their way back to the Burrow, Harry made it clear that he did not
want to talk to Dumbledore about his scar, or anything they had witnessed
during their visit to Diagon Alley. Hermione had been urging him to see
Dumbledore, but Harry had screamed NO! and shut her up.
When they walked in, they saw Mrs. Weasley with Percy at the kitchen
table. They were discussing something of serious matter so all three
of them fled upstairs and into Ron's room. "Nope, no blood. Those things plug you up good!" Ron grinned as he checked his sheets where Hermione had slept last night. Hermione rolled her eyes and sat down next to Harry. "Ron, what was it you really wanted to tell me when Harry took floo to Diagon?" she smirked. Ron's ears reddened and he sat down on Harry's right. He was about to answer when they heard a commotion outside Ron's window. A gigantic eagle fluttered up and was pecking at the window. Hedwig hooted at it and Pigwidgeon was flying all around his cage. Ron opened the window and the eagle landed on Harry's leg. Its talons ripped into his flesh. He looked into its eyes and was relieved to see that they were small, black and beady. When Harry had untied the letter, the eagle took flight, cutting Harry's thigh as it did so. He opened the letter.
Thanks Potter.
"That's Malfoy's handwriting," Hermione said taking the letter from Harry. "And that was Malfoy's eagle." Harry laughed as Ron's face was pulled into an upset frown. "Oh and how would you know? Secretly sending letters to Malfoy?" Hermione gave Ron her famous glare and turned back to Harry. "You think his dad made him do it?" she asked. "No way! Mr. Malfoy wouldn't thank me for anything!" Harry gawked. "But neither would Malfoy." He tossed the letter aside and started packing his trunk for the departure tomorrow on the Hogwarts Express.
"Can't wait to school," Ron sighed.
"You don't sound too happy about it," Harry said. When no one said anything else, Ron and Hermione started packing as well.
"What the devil are you doing here?" Mr. Weasley yelled when he walked through the door, only to be greeted by Percy's smiling face. He looked at Molly with the first sign of rage Harry had ever seen in his eyes before. "How could you let this into our house again?" he interrogated Mrs. Weasley.
"Arthur calm down. He got fired and has apologized and everything. It's alright."
"Percy? Fired? My ass he's fired! He's probably doing some inside job for Fudge. Trying to see if we have anymore flying cars! Which we don't," Mr. Weasley huffed.
"Dad, no I truly am fired," Percy said barely audibly. "Lucius took my place" Mr. Weasley let down his guard.
"Well I'm sorry to-wait a tick! They can't hire Lucius! He's a bloody Death Eater!"
"Fudge doesn't know that, well he doesn't want to believe that so to say," Percy said with a little more pride. Mr. Weasley followed Mrs. Weasley and Percy back into the kitchen where dinner was set. Ginny had gotten home a few minutes after Harry, Ron, and Hermione and was already starting to eat. Fred and George weren't back yet. Dinner was as uneventful as packing their school trunks. Apparently, Ron had missed out on the part where Mrs. Weasley sentenced his punishment to two days, so Hermione was once again in Harry's room.
"So you think Ron was going to tell you how he felt?" Harry asked, double checking to make sure he had packed everything. Hermione was doing the same.
"Yeah, he wouldn't look me in the eye when he was talking. What would I say if he did tell me Harry?"
"I dunno. I'm not good with this type of stuff," Harry said. Hermione laughed a little.
"Well what would you like to hear?"
"I'd just like her to say something about liking me back or-Hermione I don't know. I've never told anyone that I fancied them," he grumbled, shutting his trunk and flopping onto his bed. "But I guess if someone told me that they fancied me, I'd just tell them how I felt towards them." Hermione walked over to his bed and sat down.
"I can't be honest with Ron. He's not as open as you are," she said.
"I'm not all that open Hermy," Harry chuckled.
"With me you are." He stayed silent. It was true; he was a bit more open when it was just Hermione and him. "Anyway, I used to like him, and now I'm not sure if I do or not and I-I just couldn't do that to poor Ron." There was a loud snap and Fred and George appeared right in front of them. Hermione flinched and Harry sat up so fast that he felt dizzy.
"Forgot you can apparate," he mumbled under his breath. The twins were smirking at both of them.
"Well," George said. "Well, well, well."
"Looks like 'Mione here is cheatin' on Ron," Fred sneered. Hermione let out a frustrated sigh and sat down on her own bed.
"Looks like you're getting a pretty good deal Harry," Fred laughed. "She's certainly changed." At this remark, Hermione grabbed a pillow and hugged it to her.
"Stop it guys. Ron got in trouble for breaking a window and has to sleep in Ginny's room.with Ginny," Harry informed them. Did I just stick up for Hermione? I knew they were just joking around, Harry wondered.
"Ah well.just as long as Hermione doesn't come out baring a baby."
"George!" Hermione gasped and struck him with the pillow. The twins walked out of the room chuckling at themselves.
"So, as I was say-,"
"Oh shoot! I didn't finish Snape's essay that he assigned this summer," Harry lied, trying to get the subject changed.
"Well better do it now!" Hermione urged, being unable to resist her love for homework.
"Nah, I'll just do it on the train. I'm too tired. Let me go get my clothes and I'll go change in the bathroom. Lock the door this time," Harry said as he got up to go get his night clothes.
"No I'll change in the bathroom this time Harry," Hermione said and before Harry could argue, she ran out the door, clothes dangling from her arm. Harry got changed quickly and when Hermione came back in, she found him sitting on the bed waiting for her to come back in. Harry's eyelids were heavy; he truly was tired, but he had one thing on his mind that he couldn't shake off.
"Hermione," he said very seriously, "why did you kiss me?" She looked horrified at the question, but her terror was quickly hidden behind a shade of pink.
"Are you really that, um, clueless Harry?" He became bewildered.
"Well I don't know exactly what to think. When Cho," he had a very hard time discussing Cho's and his "little" kiss, "when Cho went and kissed me, I thought she liked me, but now she's dating Michael Corner. Your kiss, well, it could have just been one of those, ya know, friendly kisses?" It was more of a question than statement. Though, Harry knew it was more than a friendly kiss.
"So everything between us is friendly?" Hermione asked as a frown set across her face.
"Only if you want it to be," Harry finished up quickly. This seemed to redeem himself because Hermione's face relaxed. "It's just, I've known you for so long and I didn't know you liked me the same way."
"Liked the same-what?" Hermione sputtered, a tint of joy in her voice.
"Yeah," Harry blushed a little. "I've been meaning to tell you-," but he was cut off by a desperate voice from behind the door.
"Harry, lemme in!" It was Ron. Harry walked over and opened the door and Ron ran in. He took a seat next to Hermione.
"Didn't want Mum to hear me. It's so boring in there with Ginny. All she does is sleep," he half exclaimed half whispered. Harry laughed at this comment. Poor Ron, he thought.
"Ron! Think what will happen to you if you're caught!"
"He won't get caught," Harry defended him. Hermione's lips pursed slightly.
"So what have you two been up to?" Ron asked, winking at Harry.
"You say that so suspiciously," Harry added irritated that someone from the Weasley family always seemed to walk in on Harry and Hermione's private conversations. However, his feeling of irritation disappeared as he thought about all the things he had been hiding from Ron.
"Oh we have been up to a lot," Hermione whispered into his ear while patting his thigh. Ron squirmed and looked over at Harry who was smiling at Hermione as she flirted with him. But then Hermione pulled away and gently smacked Ron on the back of the head. "Of course we haven't been up to anything! I can't even be trusted by my best friend!"
"How can I be sure?" Ron asked in a non-sarcastic tone. At this, Hermione walked over to Harry's bed and pulled him into a kiss. It was more passionate than last time, especially because she kept running her hands up and down his back. Harry eventually picked his hands off the bed and put them lightly on Hermione's waist. She pulled away and Harry's face contorted into a look of bewilderment, excitement, and fear. Ron's jaw was dropped and his eyes bulged. Harry's eyes were darting around the room, waiting for Hermione's explanation for her actions.
"Ron, take a close look at Harry's face. If we had been fooling around, you think he wouldn't have looked so.so-,"
"Turned on?" Ron mumbled, still talking with his jaw hanging down to the floor.
"What was that?" Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"Nothin'," he mumbled back.
"Anyway, you think he wouldn't have looked so surprised," she finally finished. No, Ron had it right, Harry thought dreamily. What am I thinking? I can't be falling for her. She's Ron's love! Ron's jaw quickly shot back up.
"Harry, quick, assume Hermy and I have been fooling around behind your back!" They chuckled half-heartedly at this, though Harry still had an uneasy feeling swelling inside him. Then they froze as they saw light flood from under the door and sleepy whispers.
"Mum heard us!" Ron informed them all. "I gotta go!"
"'Night Ron," Harry and Hermione said in unison. Ron darted back out the door and into his room just in time. A few seconds later Mrs. Weasley poked her weary head into the room.
"You two shouldn't be up this late. We're going to have to get up early for King's Cross tomorrow."
"Sorry Mrs. Weasley. We were just about to say good night," Hermione apologized, but Mrs. Weasley ignored this.
"Are you alright Harry?" She looked down at him. He was sweating a tad bit. "Err, yeah fine," he said. His answer satisfied her and she closed the door and switched out that light. Hermione was stifling giggles.
"What are you laughing at?" Harry asked nervously.
"Nothing Harry," she answered laughing. "'Night" Harry pulled the covers up to his shoulders and shut his sleep eyes. His thoughts kept shifting from Quidditch to the little stunt Hermione had pulled in front of Ron. Smiling to himself, Harry couldn't decide which one he liked better. Stop it! You only like Hermione as a friend! Plus she's Ron's girl remember? These thoughts kept playing over and over in his mind, until he finally drifted into a light sleep.
Morning came faster than Harry thought it had ever had. He woke up before Hermione and triple checked that he had packed absolutely everything. He was tucking his wand into his jeans when Ron walked in. He looked tired and upset.
"Hiya Harry," he greeted. Harry nodded his head in his direction and then cocked his head towards Hermione.
"Hey Ron could you wake her for me?"
"With pleasure," Ron said, his face gaining its usual glow. Ron flumped with all his might down on Hermione's bed. She shot up in alarm. "Morning," Ron shouted flashing a big grin. Hermione groaned as she propped herself up on her elbows. Hedwig hooted happily in her cage as Harry picked her up and walked downstairs to place her by the door.
"We're not leaving yet Harry. You don't have to drag the trunk down," Ron said.
"I know. I'm just sort of excited to get back to school." This was true. Ever since Harry's life time ban from Quidditch had been lifted, he was so eager to get to the pitch to just fly around and collect his thoughts.
"Well you don't seem to be the only one," Ron nodded towards Hermione who was looking through her books to make sure everyone was there. She then hurried out of the room, and then almost as instantly as she dashed away, she ran back in, fully clothed. Harry and Ron watched her bustle around and tidy up her trunk in a caffeinated sort of way. As soon as she was done, the three of them headed down to breakfast. No surprise when Harry came down to a breakfast fit to feed twenty when there was only the four of them (Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley).
"Where's dad?" Ginny asked.
"He had an appointment with Mr. Fudge and Percy," she answered, setting glasses of pumpkin juice in front of all them. They ate quickly, especially Harry, and then pulled all their belongings to the car. Ron eyed the car as if he had never seen it. "Percy and your Dad apparated there. He picked up this car from the ministry last night," Mrs. Weasley informed Ron. It was a tight fit. Ron had to sit in the front (since he was the tallest) and Harry, Hermione, and Ginny were all squeezed into the back. Because Harry was so eager and excited about Hogwarts, the ride to King's Cross seemed to be the longest ever.
"Wonder who our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is going to be," Ron said. Harry chuckled sarcastically.
"I'd take anyone, even Snape, just as long as it isn't Umbridge again," he said.
"Who would teach Potions then?" asked Ginny.
"Doesn't matter to me. Maybe if Snape did get the job, we'd get a better Potions teacher and I could finally start passing that class," Ron said.
"You haven't been passing?" Mrs. Weasley raised her voice. Harry saw Ron shift nervously in his seat.
"I meant, err, passing.passing, um-well yes I have been passing, just I meant, passing with a better grade," Ron finally managed to spit out. Mrs. Weasley raised a questioning eyebrow.
"I hope it's someone like Moody or Lupin," Hermione input. "Well, the real Moody that is. Not that Crouch. He was just awful." Everyone murmured in agreement.
"Well I hope it's someone who really knows and understands this stuff. Someone who can relate," Ginny said. Harry nodded. He thought back to Ewan and how he knew Dumbledore. The conversation seemed to help pass the time and eventually all five of them reached King's Cross with only a few minutes to spare. One by one, they took their turns casually leaning up against the barrier and slipping through the gate to the Hogwarts Express.
"Have a good time dears! Oh and be safe!" Mrs. Weasley shouted from the platform up to the train where the four of them where.
"We will! Thanks for having me stay with you!" Hermione shouted back.
"Yes, thanks a bunch Mrs. Weasley," Harry yelled.
"No problem dears!"
"Bye Mum!" Ron and Ginny shouted at the same time. And with all goodbyes said, the train started its journey to Hogwarts. Lucky for the four of them, they had snagged a compartment to themselves. Ginny left within the first five minutes to go and find Dean, leaving Harry, Ron, and Hermione to themselves.
"I can't wait for our first practice," Harry sighed. "I missed it so much."
"Yeah and maybe our Beaters will get better," Hermione laughed as Ron said this.
"What's so funny?" Ron asked before Harry had the chance to, but Harry, amused at the state Hermione had gotten herself into, started laughing also.
"What!?" Ron cried. The two of them shook their heads.
"I'm just laughing because she is," Harry answered. Ron stared at Hermione who had thrown her head back and was now cackling, began to laugh a little himself. They were all laughing at each other, holding their sides when the compartment door slid open.
"I hate interrupting your little giggle fest here, but prefects are wanted up at the front of the train," came a long drawling voice. Harry knew too well that this was the voice of Draco Malfoy. Malfoy had a nice bruise to add to his other one around his eye and was wearing what looked like a corset.
"I thought only girls wore those Malfoy," Ron smirked. Malfoy grabbed Ron by his robes and threw him up against the compartment door.
"You try having your ribs broken Weasley. But then again, I wouldn't want you to break your ribs. Seeing that your family is so poor now that your perfect brother got fired, it would take forever to pay off your medical bill," he sneered. Ron raised a fist but a hand caught it.
"Don't even bother Ron. Anywhere you hit, well, it's already broken by his father," Hermione said, knowing that this struck a nerve with Malfoy. He dropped Ron and turned to Hermione.
"That Death Eater was not my father understand me? And if you go around telling people that he did this to me, I'll tell my father about your Time Turner," he whispered.
"How do you know about that?" she asked terrified. Malfoy just smiled and didn't bother to answer her question. He turned to Harry, gave him one look, and then turned back to Ron and Hermione.
"Let's go," he said and walked out of the room without waiting for them.
"See you in a bit," said Ron. Hermione just sort of smiled at him and then they were gone. Great. Another train ride without Ron and- his thought was interrupted by a face that poked in from behind the door.
"I have to talk to you later Potter," Malfoy said and then slammed the sliding door shut. Harry was shocked. What could Malfoy possibly want to talk to him about? He didn't give it much thought and stared out the window watching the countryside blur past him. The door opened once again.
"Good you're alone," said a very shaky female voice. Harry recognized this voice instantly and spun around.
"Oh.hi," he greeted unenthusiastically. "Well come on in." Cho Chang took a seat across from Harry. She was unable to meet his eyes.
"I'm sorry," she started, staring at her feet.
"About what?" he asked before realizing how stupid he must have just now sounded.
"About your godfather. Loony told me."
"It's Luna," Harry said defensively. "But thanks," he added quickly. Cho gave him a suspicious look and little tear drops started forming in the corners of her eyes. Harry took a deep breath in annoyance and then told her, "Don't start crying. I'm not crying so you shouldn't be."
"I know," her voice shook. "I just feel bad. I know how you feel." The tears had started coming.
"Why is it every time you're with me you start crying?" She looked up at him surprised.
"Y.you just remind me so much of Cedric. I mean.y.you came out carrying his b..b..body," she choked out through tears. Harry started chewing his lower lip agitated.
"Cho, I don't really want to talk about Cedric right now okay? So if that's what you came here to talk about then, well," he took a minute to consider what he was about to say. He really wanted things to work about between them, but he also had the strong desire for her to leave. He didn't finish his sentence and instead fell silent. Cho was now wiping her eyes on her the hem of her sleeve.
"I just wanted to also apologize, again, for Marietta. She shouldn't have snitched on us," she sounded like she truly meant it.
"Yeah." was all he could force out.
"And I also came in here," her freshly dried eyes filled with tears again, "to tell you that it's my last year here and I want to leave here on good terms with you." Harry was relieved to hear these words. She's not crying! He thought happily. He smiled at her.
"Okay sure," he agreed. Cho rose from her seat, give Harry a little kiss on the cheek and then left. He leaned his back against the window and spread out on the compartment seat. His relieved, happy feeling only lasted a few minutes. It ended abruptly when Malfoy made his way over to Harry's compartment. He knocked this time.
"What?"
"Need to talk Potter. Don't get your knickers in a bunch," Malfoy snarled, hating the fact that he couldn't just barge in like he normally did.
"Well come in then," Harry gestured reluctantly. Malfoy let himself in being careful not to bang the brace around his ribs on any corners. He was looking down, eyes barely visible behind those brutal bruises.
"Thanks," Malfoy muttered.
"What was that?" Harry asked slyly.
"I said 'thanks' Potter," Malfoy replied now looking at Harry angrily. "Thank you for helping me away from that Death Eater."
"You mean your dad?"
"Damn it Potter! Can't you just say 'you're welcome' instead of accusing my father of every bad thing that happens to me?"
"Yeah well now you know what it's like to have your parents bad- mouthed!" Harry shouted furiously into Malfoy's face. "Just wait to you feel how badly it hurts when someone talks bad about your friends! Wait, I forgot, you don't have any." Malfoy's jaw was slightly open. His bruised eyes narrowed in a disgusted manner. Then he broke out in his famous sneer.
"You think smart remarks like that are going to get to me?" he spat.
"Ones about your father certainly do," Harry sneered back. Malfoy looked like he had just been slapped in the face with a leather glove. Harry fought hard to keep a straight face. Just then, Malfoy's fist lunged at Harry's nose. Harry stumbled back; blood was dripping into his hands. He raised a fist and punched Malfoy in the brace. Malfoy crumpled to the floor howling in pain. He was clutching his chest trying to take in big breaths of air, but the brace was constricting him. Harry saw furious flames flicker in Malfoy's pupils and before he knew it, Harry crashed to the ground. Apparently, Malfoy had kicked Harry in the knee. Harry tried to stand up, but his knee gave a heavy protest and wouldn't let him. Malfoy got to his knees and jumped on top of Harry, punching him. Harry finally threw Malfoy off him, fought against his protesting knee, and grabbed him by the throat. His fist sat behind his ear, ready to strike.
"Harry what's going on?" Hermione shrieked as she entered.
"Cool a fight!" Ron shouted. At this, kids started flocking to the source of the comment. Hermione gave Ron a I-strongly-disapproved-of-what- you-just-said look and made him shoe the eager faces away.
"What's going on?" she asked impatiently. Harry opened his mouth to speak, but just then Malfoy's foot made contact with Harry's lower midriff. He sank to the floor, quivering in pain.
"My father was not that Death Eater! Understand me?" Malfoy hissed, clutching his side. "Understand ME!?" Harry groaned. Ron pushed past Malfoy to try and help Harry up, but Malfoy pushed him right back.
"You hit below the belt Malfoy! I didn't think you could go much lower!" Ron snarled.
"This is between me and Potter and that's not as low as living like you do Weasley," Malfoy huffed. Hermione had to hold Ron back.
"I didn't have to thank you, and still I did," Malfoy stared down at Harry. "And I'm still going to say thanks even after what you said about my father." Harry had stopped shaking and was breathing more easily. "So thanks Potter. Thanks for ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!" Malfoy roared. He spat blood onto Harry's shoes and left the compartment in shallow breaths.