Hermione
A month later, Adelle and Harry sat in Divination class next to each other, nearly falling asleep of boredom. They had finally decided to officially call themselves boyfriend and girlfriend, Ron and Hermione still not knowing about it, and it had been a while. Harry wasn't exactly sure why he hadn't told them yet, but that would soon change. "Hey, Adelle, I got an idea," Harry said. "I should introduce you to my friends, Hermione and Ron." "Oh! They're your friends! I met them once, on the first day I came here, but it was only brief. I just asked for directions, but Ron was very nice. Hermione didn't really say anything. Hermione is my roommate, though," Adelle said very fast. "She is? Cool! Ron is my roommate," Harry replied. "Well, after school today, introduce them to me." "Fine with me." Harry said. "They'll like you a lot, I just know it." Adelle smiled at him. "Hey, Hey! You two stop talking and pay attention!" Professor Trelawney said to them. "Sorry, Professor," Harry said, he and Adelle laughing silently together. "Now, as I was saying," Professor Trelawney continued, glaring at Harry and Adelle, "You will record the phases of the moon each day and write what you see in it. If it is a new moon, write 'New Moon'. That is the assignment for today. Goodbye for today, children." Nobody understood why Professor Trelawney always called them children when they weren't really anymore. Someone had asked her this once, and she only said that everyone was still a child. Divination was the last class, so Adelle followed Harry to his room. Ron saw Adelle walk in and said, "Hey!" and smiled at her. She smiled back. Ron grinned and blushed. Adelle rolled her eyes. "I'll send an owl to Hermione," Harry said, getting out a pen and parchment and wrote a letter to Hermione that said:
Hermione, I need you to come down to Ron and my room. I would like you to meet someone, a friend of mine. You might know her a little bit, but maybe you two could become friends. She doesn't know Ron too well, but hopefully they'll get along. Come as soon as possible. She'll be here already when you get here. Yes, a girl.
Your Friend, Harry
He called Hedwig over and gave her the letter. "Take this to Hermione for me, please," he said, stroking her feathers briefly. She bit him softly as a sign of affection, and then took off as Harry opened the window. "I sent it to her, hopefully she'll be coming soon," Harry informed them. "In the meantime, Adelle, this is Ron, Ron, this is Adelle, my girlfriend." Ron reached out his hand, meaning to shake it, but ended up hugging her instead. She whispered in his ear, "You're so sweet. I can see why Harry likes you." Ron whispered back, "I can see why Harry likes you, too." They broke apart, Ron blushing a shade of crimson. Adelle smiled at him. After that, there was a knock on the door. "I'll get it. It's probably Hermione," Harry said. But to his surprise, there was nobody there, just a small white envelope on the floor, saying "Harry" on the front. "What's this...?" Harry whispered to himself, picking up the note. He closed the door and turned to Adelle and Ron, a worried look on his face. "Harry, what's wrong?" Ron asked. "Hermione wasn't there, but I think this letter is from her," Harry replied solemnly. "Well, the only way to find out is to open it," Adelle commanded him. Harry opened it, and was right. It was a letter from Hermione. He read it out loud.
Dear Harry, I'm sorry I'm doing this, but I can't make it to meet your friend. I know who she is; anyway, it's the French girl, Adelle Aupierre. She is my roommate, and one time I found her asleep in one of your shirts and I found a letter from you on her desk one time. So there is no need to introduce me to her. I know her already too much, it seems. I can't believe I'm actually doing this, but I'm leaving Hogwarts for a while. I need time to be alone and find myself again. Harry, you might have not noticed, but I have been very stressed lately about school, and about personal reasons that I can't really tell you about right now. I just couldn't stand the pressure anymore. And also, honestly, I have been very jealous that now you've dedicated all of your time to your new girlfriend. That made me stressed as well. I don't know if I want to write while I'm gone, but I tell you not to write to me or come looking for me. I know that could be hard for you, but please, I beg you, resist as much as you can. I will hopefully return soon. Hermione "What! Hermione left? But, why would she? She didn't even seem stressed or anything, that's just so... weird, and..." Ron cried and rambled on and on, apparently stunned from the letter. Harry looked at Adelle. Her eyes were red from crying. "I can't believe I did that to her..." she whispered. "I chased her away... I just, can't believe I did that..." she sank into the chair at Harry's desk and started sobbing, her face in her hands. "But why in bloody hell would she do that?" Ron asked again. "I don't know, Ron, I just don't know..." Harry said, thinking deeply of an answer. "She's obviously hurt about something, and it seems to be jealousy right now, she even said she was envious of Adelle." Ron looked at Harry with a weird expression. "Harry..." he whispered. "I think she likes you."
"Professor Dumbledore! Professor Dumbledore!!" Harry, Ron, and Adelle were shouting when they entered Dumbledore's office. "Settle down, you three," he said calmly. "What seems to be the problem?" "Hermione ran away from Hogwarts, sir," Harry simply blurted. The old man suddenly had a look of surprise on his face. "Why would Miss Granger leave? Nothing seemed to be troubling her," he said. "That's what we thought," Ron said. "She sent us this letter, sir. Read it. It kind of explains why she left, but not quite," Adelle said, handing him the letter. He quickly read the letter, then looking back at them with a troubled look on his face. "She appears to be quite upset," the old man said. "Yeah. Should we go out to look for her, Professor?" Harry asked. "I'm not sure about that, Harry. Who knows where she could have gone?" "I don't know, but that's how we would find out," Adelle suggested. "I suppose you can, since she is your friend. I will notify your Professors that you have my permission to leave at once. All three of you, I expect, shall leave. Take brooms with you. Harry, I trust you," Dumbledore told them. Harry nodded as if he was saluting him, then the three of them headed out. "Harry, I don't have a broom," Adelle said nervously. "It's ok. You can ride with me," Harry replied calmly. Adelle grinned. "Okay," she said.
Harry got out his Firebolt, Ron pulled out his Cleansweep 2000. They ran outside to the grounds of Hogwarts by the Forbidden Forest. Ron kicked from the ground and rose up into the air, waiting for Adelle and Harry. Harry got on the Firebolt, scooting a little farther front to make room for Adelle. Adelle got on to the back and wrapped her arms around Harry's waist loosely. But when Harry kicked off from the ground, she gripped tighter. "Have you been on a broom before?" Harry asked. "Only once when I was little, and I don't remember the experience very well, so basically, no," Adelle nervously blurted from behind Harry, trying not to look at the ground. "Just hang on and you'll be okay," Harry assured her. She nodded slowly, unsure of herself, but then started hanging on to Harry again. Ron, Harry, and Adelle started off on their "quest" to find Hermione. They prayed they would find her. They started to head north to get past the Forbidden Forest. Adelle held on tightly, but liked the windy sensation in her face and hair. The broom was actually pretty comfortable; she thought it would feel terrible. Other than that, her mind was swimming with thoughts of Hermione. She felt guilty, like she was the person who caused her to leave. She wanted to mention this to Harry, but she hadn't yet. She hoped Hermione wasn't mad at any of them, but she did seem stressed and angry. Adelle frowned. She hoped that they would even find Hermione- she could be anywhere. She still felt terrible about the situation, and felt guiltily responsible for everything. If they found her, then maybe she would find the answer. Harry decided to make the broom go a little bit faster, Adelle gripping tighter. Where were they even going? They had no idea where Hermione could be. Harry had obviously had an idea, because Ron was trailing behind them. "Where are we going?" Adelle yelled to Harry. "You'll see," Harry yelled back. The wind was whipping Adelle's hair around and it was rushing in their ears from the speed. Harry started to make the broom go down. He had found a spot to go. Adelle held on to Harry with all her might, her nerves rushing and adrenaline running through her veins. She was afraid of the sensation of free falling, but on the contrary could do it many times and love it. They started to pick up speed as they were starting to land. Harry made the broom go into a nose-dive and it appeared as if they were going to go straight into the ground. Adelle got nervous. "Harry, what are you doing?" Adelle shouted, but Harry didn't respond. Just when they were only an inch from the ground, Harry pulled up at the last second, stopping the broom. Adelle let go abruptly, and fell off onto the ground. "Ugh," she mumbled, getting up and dusting off her clothes. Harry grinned at her. "And that was so awesome, was it not?" he asked. "Yeah, I guess. I just didn't like the falling off part," Adelle said, and then giggled. Harry rolled his eyes. "Where are we?" Ron asked, landing a couple seconds later. "Follow me," Harry said, and Adelle and Ron followed him. They appeared to be in some sort of alleyway, with only a few askew trashcans and trash coming out of them. "Where are we going?" Adelle whispered. "Harry, this gives me the creeps," Ron added. "Shh," Harry only said. Adelle turned around and shrugged to Ron. Harry pulled out his wand. We reached a dead end... what could he possibly use his wand for? Adelle thought. "Alohamora," Harry whispered. A door appeared on the alleyway wall, and opened for them. "Whoa," Ron whispered. "Cool." Harry walked in. "Quick, get inside," Harry whispered, pulling both of them inside, grabbing the two brooms, then shutting the door. "Harry, where are we?" Adelle asked. "Sirius's place. Follow me," Harry said. "He's got an awesome place," Ron said, grinning with approval. Adelle didn't say anything more. "Sirius?" Harry called. Nobody answered. Harry walked further into the area, Adelle and Ron following. They stepped into what appeared to be the living room. "SIRIUS?" Harry called, a lot more loudly this time. "Harry? Is that you?" A voice yelled from another room. Sirius came in from the other room. "Sirius! Hey there!" Harry said. "Good to see you, Harry, Ron. Who's this, here?" Sirius asked, nodding at Adelle. "Oh, um, this is my girlfriend, Adelle Aupierre. Adelle, this is my godfather, Sirius Black," Harry introduced them. Adelle had obviously not known about the time he was in Azkaban, because she was very calm around him. "Hi," she said with a smile, shaking his hand. "How come you're here, Harry?" Sirius then asked after they shook hands. "Hermione left Hogwarts. Read the letter she sent us. It's pretty weird," Harry replied. Sirius took a minute or so to read the letter. His face fell. "Oh, um, I see. Well, I want you to see something then," he said, beckoning them. Ron looked at Harry and Adelle nervously. Adelle shrugged. Harry followed Sirius, Ron and Adelle slowly going after him.
Hermione sat on the small bed, sipping a glass of wine. She hated the taste of it but made her stomach warm and she liked that sensation. She felt a tear slowly run down her cheek, and she had been crying for hours before. Her eyes were sort of blood-shot from all of it, and her mascara was running. She was angry with Harry. She had loved him all of these years, and never came to his senses to realize it. She had dropped so many hints so many times, but he never got the idea. She decided to run away only to escape from Ron, Harry, and Adelle so she could be alone and figure out what to do. She had been too stressed from all of the schoolwork assigned and how much Harry was ignoring her because of Adelle. She had debated to herself one time if she should have told Ron about it, but she didn't because she knew he probably wouldn't understand. She felt her body fill with rage and fury at them, and gripped the glass tighter. She got sick of the wine and suddenly just threw the glass at the wall; it shattered, leaving the blood-red wine splattered on the wall. She got up and looked at herself in the mirror. Her pretty brown hair was now a tangled mess, her eyes bloodshot and all black on the outside, even her cheeks were blotchy from all of the tears. I look terrible. She thought miserably. She felt the tears start to come again and let out a loud dog-like cry. She buried her face in her hands, lying back on the bed, sobbing. She felt like she just wanted to disappear. Too bad I don't know how to apparate yet. She thought. Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door. "Who is it?" she yelled. "It's me, Sirius. Can I come in?" Sirius asked. "I guess so," she replied. Outside the door, Harry, Ron, and Adelle were relieved to know that Hermione was with Sirius the whole time. Sirius opened the door, frowning that Hermione had her back to him when she was on the bed. "She's really upset, be careful," Sirius whispered to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Harry nodded. "Whom are you talking to?" Hermione asked angrily, not moving. "Find out for yourself, why don't you," Sirius replied, trying to make her turn around. Hermione reluctantly rolled over, scowling to see Harry, Ron, and Adelle. "Oh. What are they doing here?" she asked. "We came to find you," Ron said. Adelle nodded. "I told you not to come looking for me," Hermione said angrily. "I specifically told you not to." "Maybe I should leave all of you here alone," Sirius suggested, leaving the room. "Hermione, of course we would come to look for you. We were worried!" Harry protested as soon as Sirius shut the door. "But the reason I left was to get away from you," Hermione responded, a little more quietly this time. Harry's face fell, hurt from what she said. Ron's eyes widened a little, Adelle shifting her weight under her feet nervously. Hermione wasn't all that sorry. She figured Harry deserved it. She felt the rage come back and she started yelling at them. "It was only human of me to do what I did!" she yelled, Adelle stepping back a little. Hermione felt herself crying again, letting out a loud sobbing noise. She walked up slowly to Harry, so close to him that Harry had to step back a little. "Don't you see, Harry?" she whispered in a harsh tone. "I've loved you ever since we became friends in first year. And I was pretty sure you loved me back, too, until just a little while ago you fell in love with this 'French girl'." Adelle flinched at the way Hermione mocked her. "Hermione, I-"Harry started, but Hermione cut him off. "No, Harry," she said, her voice starting to rise in anger, "You don't deserve to talk to me when I'm like this. I just hope I finally got my point across with you. And I hope you wither away in guilt." She turned her back to them, trying to wipe the mascara away from her eyes. Harry felt awful. Was it him who brought her to act this way? He suddenly found himself crying silently. "Hermione..." he whispered, trying not to cry harder. He didn't want to upset Ron or Adelle too much. "Ron, come on, we should get out of this room," Adelle whispered to Ron, grabbing his arm and pulling him out of the room. Harry felt the tears coming steadily now, not caring anymore how much he cried. He just wanted Hermione to forgive him. "Hermione... I'm so sorry..." he said, his voice barely a whisper. He sank down to the floor, leaning against the wall, his face on his knees. He just wanted to melt away and forget everything that ever happened. Why was Hermione being like this? She had never acted this way before. He suddenly realized her pain. She said she had loved him for about five years now, and he hadn't even noticed. He still didn't know why she was being so cold it scared him. Hermione turned around, and when she saw Harry sitting against the wall, sobbing into his knees, she felt the anger just melt away at just the sight of him. She had made Harry Potter, one of the bravest wizards in the world, cry, and cry like a small child. She couldn't believe she had been that cold to him. Maybe he really did care about her, just not the way she exactly wanted. She knelt beside Harry, her eyes welling up with tears just to see him so hurt. "Harry..." she whispered, lightly stroking his hair. "I'm so sorry." Harry didn't move. He still felt terrible about everything, even if Hermione was acting like herself a little more. "Harry, I really am... I didn't know what I was thinking... I made Sirius give me wine- and I was just so mad about everything. I didn't mean to hurt you, really, I didn't... I'm just so sorry..." she tried to explain to him, but figured it didn't help at all. She put her arms around his shaking body, then resting her head on his shoulder. Harry finally looked up. "You scared me so much, Hermione. I figured you hated me," he said, his voice hoarse. "Harry, I could never, ever hate you. You're the best friend someone could have." They turned to face each other. Harry took a good look at Hermione. Behind all of that running mascara, she was really, really pretty, and he had never really realized it, since he always considered Hermione as his friend, especially when he liked Cho Chang. "You're the best friend anyone could have, too," he told her. Hermione pulled him into a long hug, crying on his shoulder silently. Harry kissed her cheek, and she stopped crying almost instantly. "Do you love me?" she asked him, pulling away from the hug, looking into his eyes. Harry's face fell. How could he explain that he loved Adelle, and only loved her as a friend? "Of course I do..." he started. "But not in that way?" Hermione asked. She looked at the floor. "Well, yes... but, you see, Hermione, you're great as a best friend, someone I can always go to, someone I can talk to about anything. And sometimes I can't even talk to Ron about some things, but with you, it's different. You just understand me so well, and I can't thank you enough for that. That's the way I love you," Harry said, smiling a little. Hermione didn't say anything for a bit, but then found something to say. "I really understand, and eventually I will find someone else, too, if you decide to be with Adelle for a while, and I will love you for that same reason, too." "I'm glad you understand." "But, Harry, can you do me a favor?" she asked. "Sure, anything," he responded. She looked up at him with a small smile. "Spare me this one moment." Harry at first didn't know what she meant, but then realized what she meant when she started moving her head closer to his. Slowly, his lips met hers. Hermione almost instantly closed her eyes. It was the kiss she always wanted. When they pulled away, Hermione smiled at him. "I'm glad you have always been here for me," she said. "And I'm glad you have always been there for me," he replied. They embraced once more, and then stood up. "Will you take me back to Hogwarts?" she asked. "Of course. Let's go."
Back at Hogwarts, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Adelle were all in Hermione and Adelle's room. "What time is it?" Adelle asked, finally saying something. She had been silent for a while. "Eleven," Ron said. "We better go. It's getting late and I'm tired," Harry said. "Yes, you should go. We need our rest for classes tomorrow," Hermione said. "Bye, guys," Adelle and Hermione said to Harry and Ron, hugging them as they headed out the door.
A month later, Adelle and Harry sat in Divination class next to each other, nearly falling asleep of boredom. They had finally decided to officially call themselves boyfriend and girlfriend, Ron and Hermione still not knowing about it, and it had been a while. Harry wasn't exactly sure why he hadn't told them yet, but that would soon change. "Hey, Adelle, I got an idea," Harry said. "I should introduce you to my friends, Hermione and Ron." "Oh! They're your friends! I met them once, on the first day I came here, but it was only brief. I just asked for directions, but Ron was very nice. Hermione didn't really say anything. Hermione is my roommate, though," Adelle said very fast. "She is? Cool! Ron is my roommate," Harry replied. "Well, after school today, introduce them to me." "Fine with me." Harry said. "They'll like you a lot, I just know it." Adelle smiled at him. "Hey, Hey! You two stop talking and pay attention!" Professor Trelawney said to them. "Sorry, Professor," Harry said, he and Adelle laughing silently together. "Now, as I was saying," Professor Trelawney continued, glaring at Harry and Adelle, "You will record the phases of the moon each day and write what you see in it. If it is a new moon, write 'New Moon'. That is the assignment for today. Goodbye for today, children." Nobody understood why Professor Trelawney always called them children when they weren't really anymore. Someone had asked her this once, and she only said that everyone was still a child. Divination was the last class, so Adelle followed Harry to his room. Ron saw Adelle walk in and said, "Hey!" and smiled at her. She smiled back. Ron grinned and blushed. Adelle rolled her eyes. "I'll send an owl to Hermione," Harry said, getting out a pen and parchment and wrote a letter to Hermione that said:
Hermione, I need you to come down to Ron and my room. I would like you to meet someone, a friend of mine. You might know her a little bit, but maybe you two could become friends. She doesn't know Ron too well, but hopefully they'll get along. Come as soon as possible. She'll be here already when you get here. Yes, a girl.
Your Friend, Harry
He called Hedwig over and gave her the letter. "Take this to Hermione for me, please," he said, stroking her feathers briefly. She bit him softly as a sign of affection, and then took off as Harry opened the window. "I sent it to her, hopefully she'll be coming soon," Harry informed them. "In the meantime, Adelle, this is Ron, Ron, this is Adelle, my girlfriend." Ron reached out his hand, meaning to shake it, but ended up hugging her instead. She whispered in his ear, "You're so sweet. I can see why Harry likes you." Ron whispered back, "I can see why Harry likes you, too." They broke apart, Ron blushing a shade of crimson. Adelle smiled at him. After that, there was a knock on the door. "I'll get it. It's probably Hermione," Harry said. But to his surprise, there was nobody there, just a small white envelope on the floor, saying "Harry" on the front. "What's this...?" Harry whispered to himself, picking up the note. He closed the door and turned to Adelle and Ron, a worried look on his face. "Harry, what's wrong?" Ron asked. "Hermione wasn't there, but I think this letter is from her," Harry replied solemnly. "Well, the only way to find out is to open it," Adelle commanded him. Harry opened it, and was right. It was a letter from Hermione. He read it out loud.
Dear Harry, I'm sorry I'm doing this, but I can't make it to meet your friend. I know who she is; anyway, it's the French girl, Adelle Aupierre. She is my roommate, and one time I found her asleep in one of your shirts and I found a letter from you on her desk one time. So there is no need to introduce me to her. I know her already too much, it seems. I can't believe I'm actually doing this, but I'm leaving Hogwarts for a while. I need time to be alone and find myself again. Harry, you might have not noticed, but I have been very stressed lately about school, and about personal reasons that I can't really tell you about right now. I just couldn't stand the pressure anymore. And also, honestly, I have been very jealous that now you've dedicated all of your time to your new girlfriend. That made me stressed as well. I don't know if I want to write while I'm gone, but I tell you not to write to me or come looking for me. I know that could be hard for you, but please, I beg you, resist as much as you can. I will hopefully return soon. Hermione "What! Hermione left? But, why would she? She didn't even seem stressed or anything, that's just so... weird, and..." Ron cried and rambled on and on, apparently stunned from the letter. Harry looked at Adelle. Her eyes were red from crying. "I can't believe I did that to her..." she whispered. "I chased her away... I just, can't believe I did that..." she sank into the chair at Harry's desk and started sobbing, her face in her hands. "But why in bloody hell would she do that?" Ron asked again. "I don't know, Ron, I just don't know..." Harry said, thinking deeply of an answer. "She's obviously hurt about something, and it seems to be jealousy right now, she even said she was envious of Adelle." Ron looked at Harry with a weird expression. "Harry..." he whispered. "I think she likes you."
"Professor Dumbledore! Professor Dumbledore!!" Harry, Ron, and Adelle were shouting when they entered Dumbledore's office. "Settle down, you three," he said calmly. "What seems to be the problem?" "Hermione ran away from Hogwarts, sir," Harry simply blurted. The old man suddenly had a look of surprise on his face. "Why would Miss Granger leave? Nothing seemed to be troubling her," he said. "That's what we thought," Ron said. "She sent us this letter, sir. Read it. It kind of explains why she left, but not quite," Adelle said, handing him the letter. He quickly read the letter, then looking back at them with a troubled look on his face. "She appears to be quite upset," the old man said. "Yeah. Should we go out to look for her, Professor?" Harry asked. "I'm not sure about that, Harry. Who knows where she could have gone?" "I don't know, but that's how we would find out," Adelle suggested. "I suppose you can, since she is your friend. I will notify your Professors that you have my permission to leave at once. All three of you, I expect, shall leave. Take brooms with you. Harry, I trust you," Dumbledore told them. Harry nodded as if he was saluting him, then the three of them headed out. "Harry, I don't have a broom," Adelle said nervously. "It's ok. You can ride with me," Harry replied calmly. Adelle grinned. "Okay," she said.
Harry got out his Firebolt, Ron pulled out his Cleansweep 2000. They ran outside to the grounds of Hogwarts by the Forbidden Forest. Ron kicked from the ground and rose up into the air, waiting for Adelle and Harry. Harry got on the Firebolt, scooting a little farther front to make room for Adelle. Adelle got on to the back and wrapped her arms around Harry's waist loosely. But when Harry kicked off from the ground, she gripped tighter. "Have you been on a broom before?" Harry asked. "Only once when I was little, and I don't remember the experience very well, so basically, no," Adelle nervously blurted from behind Harry, trying not to look at the ground. "Just hang on and you'll be okay," Harry assured her. She nodded slowly, unsure of herself, but then started hanging on to Harry again. Ron, Harry, and Adelle started off on their "quest" to find Hermione. They prayed they would find her. They started to head north to get past the Forbidden Forest. Adelle held on tightly, but liked the windy sensation in her face and hair. The broom was actually pretty comfortable; she thought it would feel terrible. Other than that, her mind was swimming with thoughts of Hermione. She felt guilty, like she was the person who caused her to leave. She wanted to mention this to Harry, but she hadn't yet. She hoped Hermione wasn't mad at any of them, but she did seem stressed and angry. Adelle frowned. She hoped that they would even find Hermione- she could be anywhere. She still felt terrible about the situation, and felt guiltily responsible for everything. If they found her, then maybe she would find the answer. Harry decided to make the broom go a little bit faster, Adelle gripping tighter. Where were they even going? They had no idea where Hermione could be. Harry had obviously had an idea, because Ron was trailing behind them. "Where are we going?" Adelle yelled to Harry. "You'll see," Harry yelled back. The wind was whipping Adelle's hair around and it was rushing in their ears from the speed. Harry started to make the broom go down. He had found a spot to go. Adelle held on to Harry with all her might, her nerves rushing and adrenaline running through her veins. She was afraid of the sensation of free falling, but on the contrary could do it many times and love it. They started to pick up speed as they were starting to land. Harry made the broom go into a nose-dive and it appeared as if they were going to go straight into the ground. Adelle got nervous. "Harry, what are you doing?" Adelle shouted, but Harry didn't respond. Just when they were only an inch from the ground, Harry pulled up at the last second, stopping the broom. Adelle let go abruptly, and fell off onto the ground. "Ugh," she mumbled, getting up and dusting off her clothes. Harry grinned at her. "And that was so awesome, was it not?" he asked. "Yeah, I guess. I just didn't like the falling off part," Adelle said, and then giggled. Harry rolled his eyes. "Where are we?" Ron asked, landing a couple seconds later. "Follow me," Harry said, and Adelle and Ron followed him. They appeared to be in some sort of alleyway, with only a few askew trashcans and trash coming out of them. "Where are we going?" Adelle whispered. "Harry, this gives me the creeps," Ron added. "Shh," Harry only said. Adelle turned around and shrugged to Ron. Harry pulled out his wand. We reached a dead end... what could he possibly use his wand for? Adelle thought. "Alohamora," Harry whispered. A door appeared on the alleyway wall, and opened for them. "Whoa," Ron whispered. "Cool." Harry walked in. "Quick, get inside," Harry whispered, pulling both of them inside, grabbing the two brooms, then shutting the door. "Harry, where are we?" Adelle asked. "Sirius's place. Follow me," Harry said. "He's got an awesome place," Ron said, grinning with approval. Adelle didn't say anything more. "Sirius?" Harry called. Nobody answered. Harry walked further into the area, Adelle and Ron following. They stepped into what appeared to be the living room. "SIRIUS?" Harry called, a lot more loudly this time. "Harry? Is that you?" A voice yelled from another room. Sirius came in from the other room. "Sirius! Hey there!" Harry said. "Good to see you, Harry, Ron. Who's this, here?" Sirius asked, nodding at Adelle. "Oh, um, this is my girlfriend, Adelle Aupierre. Adelle, this is my godfather, Sirius Black," Harry introduced them. Adelle had obviously not known about the time he was in Azkaban, because she was very calm around him. "Hi," she said with a smile, shaking his hand. "How come you're here, Harry?" Sirius then asked after they shook hands. "Hermione left Hogwarts. Read the letter she sent us. It's pretty weird," Harry replied. Sirius took a minute or so to read the letter. His face fell. "Oh, um, I see. Well, I want you to see something then," he said, beckoning them. Ron looked at Harry and Adelle nervously. Adelle shrugged. Harry followed Sirius, Ron and Adelle slowly going after him.
Hermione sat on the small bed, sipping a glass of wine. She hated the taste of it but made her stomach warm and she liked that sensation. She felt a tear slowly run down her cheek, and she had been crying for hours before. Her eyes were sort of blood-shot from all of it, and her mascara was running. She was angry with Harry. She had loved him all of these years, and never came to his senses to realize it. She had dropped so many hints so many times, but he never got the idea. She decided to run away only to escape from Ron, Harry, and Adelle so she could be alone and figure out what to do. She had been too stressed from all of the schoolwork assigned and how much Harry was ignoring her because of Adelle. She had debated to herself one time if she should have told Ron about it, but she didn't because she knew he probably wouldn't understand. She felt her body fill with rage and fury at them, and gripped the glass tighter. She got sick of the wine and suddenly just threw the glass at the wall; it shattered, leaving the blood-red wine splattered on the wall. She got up and looked at herself in the mirror. Her pretty brown hair was now a tangled mess, her eyes bloodshot and all black on the outside, even her cheeks were blotchy from all of the tears. I look terrible. She thought miserably. She felt the tears start to come again and let out a loud dog-like cry. She buried her face in her hands, lying back on the bed, sobbing. She felt like she just wanted to disappear. Too bad I don't know how to apparate yet. She thought. Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door. "Who is it?" she yelled. "It's me, Sirius. Can I come in?" Sirius asked. "I guess so," she replied. Outside the door, Harry, Ron, and Adelle were relieved to know that Hermione was with Sirius the whole time. Sirius opened the door, frowning that Hermione had her back to him when she was on the bed. "She's really upset, be careful," Sirius whispered to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Harry nodded. "Whom are you talking to?" Hermione asked angrily, not moving. "Find out for yourself, why don't you," Sirius replied, trying to make her turn around. Hermione reluctantly rolled over, scowling to see Harry, Ron, and Adelle. "Oh. What are they doing here?" she asked. "We came to find you," Ron said. Adelle nodded. "I told you not to come looking for me," Hermione said angrily. "I specifically told you not to." "Maybe I should leave all of you here alone," Sirius suggested, leaving the room. "Hermione, of course we would come to look for you. We were worried!" Harry protested as soon as Sirius shut the door. "But the reason I left was to get away from you," Hermione responded, a little more quietly this time. Harry's face fell, hurt from what she said. Ron's eyes widened a little, Adelle shifting her weight under her feet nervously. Hermione wasn't all that sorry. She figured Harry deserved it. She felt the rage come back and she started yelling at them. "It was only human of me to do what I did!" she yelled, Adelle stepping back a little. Hermione felt herself crying again, letting out a loud sobbing noise. She walked up slowly to Harry, so close to him that Harry had to step back a little. "Don't you see, Harry?" she whispered in a harsh tone. "I've loved you ever since we became friends in first year. And I was pretty sure you loved me back, too, until just a little while ago you fell in love with this 'French girl'." Adelle flinched at the way Hermione mocked her. "Hermione, I-"Harry started, but Hermione cut him off. "No, Harry," she said, her voice starting to rise in anger, "You don't deserve to talk to me when I'm like this. I just hope I finally got my point across with you. And I hope you wither away in guilt." She turned her back to them, trying to wipe the mascara away from her eyes. Harry felt awful. Was it him who brought her to act this way? He suddenly found himself crying silently. "Hermione..." he whispered, trying not to cry harder. He didn't want to upset Ron or Adelle too much. "Ron, come on, we should get out of this room," Adelle whispered to Ron, grabbing his arm and pulling him out of the room. Harry felt the tears coming steadily now, not caring anymore how much he cried. He just wanted Hermione to forgive him. "Hermione... I'm so sorry..." he said, his voice barely a whisper. He sank down to the floor, leaning against the wall, his face on his knees. He just wanted to melt away and forget everything that ever happened. Why was Hermione being like this? She had never acted this way before. He suddenly realized her pain. She said she had loved him for about five years now, and he hadn't even noticed. He still didn't know why she was being so cold it scared him. Hermione turned around, and when she saw Harry sitting against the wall, sobbing into his knees, she felt the anger just melt away at just the sight of him. She had made Harry Potter, one of the bravest wizards in the world, cry, and cry like a small child. She couldn't believe she had been that cold to him. Maybe he really did care about her, just not the way she exactly wanted. She knelt beside Harry, her eyes welling up with tears just to see him so hurt. "Harry..." she whispered, lightly stroking his hair. "I'm so sorry." Harry didn't move. He still felt terrible about everything, even if Hermione was acting like herself a little more. "Harry, I really am... I didn't know what I was thinking... I made Sirius give me wine- and I was just so mad about everything. I didn't mean to hurt you, really, I didn't... I'm just so sorry..." she tried to explain to him, but figured it didn't help at all. She put her arms around his shaking body, then resting her head on his shoulder. Harry finally looked up. "You scared me so much, Hermione. I figured you hated me," he said, his voice hoarse. "Harry, I could never, ever hate you. You're the best friend someone could have." They turned to face each other. Harry took a good look at Hermione. Behind all of that running mascara, she was really, really pretty, and he had never really realized it, since he always considered Hermione as his friend, especially when he liked Cho Chang. "You're the best friend anyone could have, too," he told her. Hermione pulled him into a long hug, crying on his shoulder silently. Harry kissed her cheek, and she stopped crying almost instantly. "Do you love me?" she asked him, pulling away from the hug, looking into his eyes. Harry's face fell. How could he explain that he loved Adelle, and only loved her as a friend? "Of course I do..." he started. "But not in that way?" Hermione asked. She looked at the floor. "Well, yes... but, you see, Hermione, you're great as a best friend, someone I can always go to, someone I can talk to about anything. And sometimes I can't even talk to Ron about some things, but with you, it's different. You just understand me so well, and I can't thank you enough for that. That's the way I love you," Harry said, smiling a little. Hermione didn't say anything for a bit, but then found something to say. "I really understand, and eventually I will find someone else, too, if you decide to be with Adelle for a while, and I will love you for that same reason, too." "I'm glad you understand." "But, Harry, can you do me a favor?" she asked. "Sure, anything," he responded. She looked up at him with a small smile. "Spare me this one moment." Harry at first didn't know what she meant, but then realized what she meant when she started moving her head closer to his. Slowly, his lips met hers. Hermione almost instantly closed her eyes. It was the kiss she always wanted. When they pulled away, Hermione smiled at him. "I'm glad you have always been here for me," she said. "And I'm glad you have always been there for me," he replied. They embraced once more, and then stood up. "Will you take me back to Hogwarts?" she asked. "Of course. Let's go."
Back at Hogwarts, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Adelle were all in Hermione and Adelle's room. "What time is it?" Adelle asked, finally saying something. She had been silent for a while. "Eleven," Ron said. "We better go. It's getting late and I'm tired," Harry said. "Yes, you should go. We need our rest for classes tomorrow," Hermione said. "Bye, guys," Adelle and Hermione said to Harry and Ron, hugging them as they headed out the door.