Title: Harry Potter and the Year of Realizations
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts wasn't the best. Will his sixth be any better? He thinks it might be, but what's going on with Hermione, and what about these confusing feelings he has? A story with angst, drama, mystery, and of course, romance.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. It all belongs to J.K. Rowling. (Although sometimes I wish I owned Harry, j/k (strike the 'sometimes'))
This chapter took awhile, I know, but at least it wasn't two weeks, right. I think I update pretty fast, compared to some people. Anyway, I REALLY hope you like this chapter. It was hard to get them off the train and to the castle. So that part is kind of dull. No horrible (I hope) Anyway, I hope you all like it.
Daniel, the offer still stands to call me. Lol. Turns out you have to be at the wedding for it to be legal. lol.
Chapter Sixteen: The RealizationPREVIOUSLY:
Hermione made her way to the compartment, settling down a little. She just needed to tell someone. She usually wasn't the gossipy type, but this was Ginny! She hoped Harry hadn't gone anywhere. He was always there for her, no matter what. She smiled at this and opened the door to the compartment. Scaring a very concentrated Harry.
He jumped and hurriedly folded the parchment and put it in his pocket. "What was that?" She asked, pointing to his pocket, and noticing he had already changed into his robes. "Oh, noth..nothing at all." He stuttered. Hermione shrugged but raised an eyebrow at him. "I'm going to go change, when I get back, there's something I need to tell you." She said as she grabbed her bag and ran out of the compartment.
Harry sighed when she left. That was close! He thought as he checked his pocket just to make sure it was still there. He leaned back and thought about what Hermione could have to talk to him about.
Hermione made her way to the dressing rooms and stepped into the empty stall. She got dressed and put her muggle clothes in her bag. She walked back to the compartment and saw Ron sitting in his with Luna. I feel so bad, keeping this all from Ron. I'd hate for him to feel like a third wheel everywhere we go. Hermione thought with sadness. I do have Harry though. She thought happily until she realized that Dumbledore was already looking for a counter-spell. She frowned as if she had just been told her puppy was just hit by a car and made her way back to the compartment.
Ron saw Hermione walk by out of the corner of his eye and looked up to wave. But she had already gone. I know I should feel happy for them, but I feel like such a third wheel around them. They say they are just friends again. I'd say that was about the shortest relationship on the planet. He thought to himself rolling his eyes. He looked up at Luna who was getting closer to him. He didn't have time to think when she leaned in and kissed him. It wasn't a long kiss, but it meant the world to Ron, considering it was his first. As it was Luna's. She leaned back quickly. "I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry, I didn't mean...Sorry." She said quickly as she realized Ron was leaning in, and kissing her back. She smiled into the kiss.
Harry looked up a Hermione entered the compartment. Hermione sat down across from him. There was an awkward silence. "So, was there something you needed to tell me?" Harry asked slowly. Hermione looked up. "Oh, yes, it's just..." Harry got up and sat down beside her. "What?" He asked soothingly. "It's about Ginny, she uh, I think that, she's...well, I um...saw her together. with..." Hermione trailed off. Harry looked confused, "What?" He asked. "I saw her kissing Malfoy!" She burst out.
Ginny looked up at Draco. "You know, it's weird...on second you're making fun of my family, and he next here I am snogging you to death." She asked quizzically, but looked as if she suspected nothing. "Oh, well, in that case, that would be a pleasant way to die." He said, smirking. She smiled and then jumped on him and they started making out, again.
Harry stood up quickly. "WHAT!?!?" He asked, yelling. "I saw her and Malfoy together." She said again, a little scared. "If he is taking advantage of her, I'll kill him!" He said, a little calmer, sitting down. Hermione laughed. "What's so funny?" He asked scowling. "Oh, just the fact that you are so protective of her." Hermione said, still giggling. Harry laughed too. They both stopped laughing and stared at each other looking into each others' eyes. They both leaned in. Ron burst through the door and Harry and Hermione dove for opposite sides of the compartment. "You guys seen Ginny?" He asked, not even raising an eyebrow at their...show. Dense.
Harry looked at her. Please don't tell him, Please don't tell him. He' s more overprotective than me!!! Harry thought. "No, The last time I saw her she was with you." Hermione said innocently. Ron shrugged and walked out of the compartment. That was close. Harry thought. "Yeah." Hermione said in agreement. "What?" Harry asked, confused. Hermione looked at him as if he had sprouted another head. "I didn't say anything." He added. Hermione looked up at him. "Yes you did, you said 'That was close' I heard you." She said quickly, waiting for him to respond. "No, I THOUGHT that." Harry said more to himself than Hermione. The both looked at each other, gaping.
Back in the last compartment Ginny and Draco were both still at it. Ginny did not even think it was weird that she was snogging Draco. The Amazing Bouncing Ferret.
"You mean to say, that we can read...each others minds?" Hermione asked slowly, as if processing it to herself. Harry nodded, his eyes as wide as Hermione's staring at the floor. This is great, now Hermione will know every time I can't stop thinking about her, and that I don't want Dumbledore to find a counter-spell. Harry thought slapping himself in the forehead. "Did you hear all of that?" He asked, not looking her in the eye. Hermione nodded, but smiled at him. That's just how I feel, Harry. She thought, trying out her new-found powers.
Harry looked up at her. "Really?" He asked, suspicious. "Really." She said laughing. They both were laughing and then they both stopped and stared into each other's eyes. They leaned in. Hermione put her hand up over her mouth before Harry could kiss her. Harry reeled back and looked at her quizzically. "For now, Harry, just friends, I really am worried about us losing our friendship over this whole thing." She said worriedly. Harry put his arm around her. "It'll be fine, 'Mione. I'll never not be your friend." He said in that oh-so-soothing voice of his. Hermione leaned into him, letting him hold her. She smiled to herself and drifted off. Harry noticed this and smiled. Careful not to wake her he reached into his bag he had brought into the compartment with him and pulled out the diary. He turned to the 3rd page. It read:
Dear Diary,
I found another spell. It can make it so James can't hear my thought, but only for 12 hours. I know these spells are getting a bit complicated, but what can I do.
Mindero Safera
Just tap your temple with your wand. It doesn't get all your thoughts, but it does help.
Lily Evans
Harry looked down at it as if he had just win the lottery. He pulled out his wand and also his watch, which he had gotten from Hermione the day in Diagon Alley. (Which was his birthday, sorry, I forgot about it before). He checked the time, 3:00 pm. He put his wand up to his temple and careful not to wake Hermione, whispered 'Mindero Safera' He felt a chill go through him and a light came and went. He blinked a few times, glad that Hermione couldn't hear what he was thinking anymore, but also because HE could hear HER thoughts. He put everything back, carefully. He leaned his head down against Hermione's and drifted into a comfortable sleep.
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Hermione woke up, fluttering her eyes open. She realized that Harry had fallen asleep against her. She smiled and checked her watch. 5:30 pm. She decided she should wake Harry. They should be arriving in a ½ hour. She put her hand on his shoulder and felt the warmth of his skin beneath her hand. She smiled to herself. She shook him just a little and he woke with a start. He was breathing hard and looked scared. "Harry, it's okay, it's just me." Hermione said, trying to calm him. He looked up at her and his heartbeat didn't slow, but he looked 1,000 times calmer. "We should be arriving any time now." She told him. Harry nodded.
Hermione noticed the parchment sticking out of his pocket and made a grab for it. Harry caught her wrist. She looked up at him in a deer-in-the- headlights way. He smiled at her. Not Now. He thought. She just smiled and grabbed her bag and Harry his. They sat there waiting for the train to stop.
Ron knocked on the compartment door at about 5:50pm. "Hi Ron." Harry and Hermione said in unison, not taking their eyes off of the window. He looked at them, quirking an eyebrow at the fact they were leaning against each other. He shrugged and sat down on the opposite bench when Luna appeared at the door. She knocked and Ron opened the door for her. They were both blushing and Ron scooted over. Somehow, he didn't think he'd mind being a third wheel anymore.
The train halted to a grinding stop, jerking everyone in compartment A1 (Harry and Hermione's) out of their daze. They all stood up and grabbed the bags they had brought with them. They started chatting and filed out of the train and made their carriage. Ron and Luna started walking the other direction. "Oh, you know you can come sit with us!" Harry yelled at them. They both turned around quickly and Ron had a huge smile on his face, as did Luna who finally felt accepted.
The climbed into the carriage and just chatted away until the got to the castle. It was raining so they trudged through the mud, very glad they didn't have to carry their trunks which were being delivered to their rooms as the...trudged.
Harry and Hermione walked inside the great hall first, followed by Ron and Luna. They filed into their seats, not very enthusiastic about the great hall. The listened to the sorting with dull attention. Hermione wasn't thinking about the sorting at all. You'll never guess who she was thinking about (for all of you nit-wits, it's Harry, lol). She had a hard time keeping her mind off him these days. It was all very....much. She put her head in her hands, but Harry didn't seem to notice, as he was watching Draco and Ginny who were stealing glances at each other every so often. Harry heard him name and looked up, as did Hermione.
"Harry Potter and Hermione Granger are this years Head Boy and Head Girl for Gryffindor, as they have shown their excellent responsibility skills and clear mind in a sticky predicament. They have gotten themselves into quite a lot of trouble over the years, but have proven themselves worthy of the title." Albus said with a twinkle in his eye. Everyone turned their heads from Dumbledore to Harry and Hermione, who were blushing quite a lot. Two seconds later food appeared on the tables and everyone's attention was turned back to their lives.
They were all eating happily when Voldemort came crashing through the doors of the hall. Everyone gasped and started jumping on the tables.
Just Kidding. Lol, I can't believe you fell for that. On with the story.
Hermione just pushed her food away. "What's wrong?" Ron asked as Harry turned around, also waiting for an answer. "Oh, it's nothing." She said, obviously lying threw her teeth. Harry concentrated, trying to see if he could hear any thoughts while Ron continued talking. "Something's wrong, I know it." He said with concern. This is all just too much, I can't deal with... Hermione didn't even finish her thought as she slipped out of her seat.
Harry with lightning fast reflexes grabbed her around her waist. She had fainted. Harry felt every pair of eyes on him and he swore that you could have heard a pin drop in the silent room. Madam Pomfry and Dumbledore came rushing to them. Harry was holding her when Madam Pomfry told him to carry her to the hospital wing. Ron and Luna stood up. "No, you all don't need to be crowd..." She was cut off by Albus. "No, let them go." He said without any sort of explanation. She looked annoyed but led them to the hospital wing.
They stepped into the hospital wing and Harry carried Hermione silently to an empty bed. He pulled up a chair and Ron and Luna stood there, looking very concerned. Harry had her hand in his, hoping she'd wake up soon. He sat there for ½ an hour just holding her hand and staring at her slowly breathing form. Ron and Luna, caring, but also tired of the rough day they'd had waved good-bye to Harry and walked silently out of the wing.
Harry sat there for what seemed like forever. At 12:00 midnight he felt a surge of energy in him. A bright light erupted from his body and he lie on the floor in a heap when Madam Pomfry burst out of her office. He felt cold water on his face and woke up. "Where's Hermione, is she okay?!?!" He asked urgently. "She's fine, but what about you?" THE SPELL! He thought. It wore off! "Umm, nothing, probably just lack of sleep." She smiled, obviously satisfied with the answer. "You better get back to your dormitories." She said sternly.
He stood up, wobbling a little, but steadied himself quickly. "I can't." He said plainly. She looked at him, perplexed. "And why is that?" She asked her hands on her hips. "soulmate bond thingy." He said, realizing there was no other way out of this. She gasped. She remembered when this happened to Lily and James. "Right, the Potter men are quite the lover boys." she said with a quick smile that was gone as fast as it came.
Harry blushed and made his way back to Hermione's bedside. He stared at her until maybe two in the morning when he drifted off leaning his head down on her bed.
"Ah, so this is your soulmate, young Potter." Voldemort said with a sneer. Harry tried to run to her unconscious body but felt himself being lifted into the air. He was suspended in the air, he could do nothing as he saw Voldemort walk towards Hermione's body. He muttered a spell and she regained consciousness. Her eyes were wide as she saw Voldemort walking towards her. "I want to hear you scream." He said in a raspy voice dripping with venom. Hermione eyes flicked to where Harry was suspended. He was trying to reach his wand when she saw it fall to the ground. "Your boyfriend can't help you now, mudblood." He laughed evilly. "AVADRA KAVADRA" He yelled. Hermione screamed. "HERMIONE!!!" He yelled as he saw Voldemort turn around and walk towards him.
Harry woke with a start. "HERMIONE!!!" He yelled. He looked around. Madam Pomfry wasn't in her office. He glanced over and Hermione was still lying there, unconscious. He checked the clock on the wall, it was 3:30 am. Maybe I can communicate with Hermione now, the spell has worn off by now. He concentrated. Hermione? Hermione, can you hear me? He waited for a reply, but none came. He positioned himself down on the floor. Harry?
!!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! POLL ALERT !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!!
I dunno, give me an idea for now or later in the story, I cam come up with my own, but I want you all to be happy :).
Thanks for your reviews:
Geena-Waters: Your reviews are so nice. I think you deserve a cookie (.,') I think it's going to be like that, (With Ginny and Draco) but don't tell anybody. I think he does have a side like that. Anyway, please feel free to review anytime. GEENA WATERS IS THE REASON THIS IS NOW A 3,000 WORDS PER CHAPTER STORY. THANK HER IN YOUR REVIEW TOO IF YOU WANT. AND CHECK OUT HER STORY. Two Sets of Twins. It's really pretty good.
Not that I don't love you all. 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Icypeel: Thanks, I know that feeling, never thought anyone would say that about MY story, I'm very surprised that I almost have 80 reviews! I was hoping SOMEONE would read it, let alone even like it. Lol. Thanks.
El Zero: lol, (.',) enjoy. (btw, it's chocolate chip, yum)
A Strange Littl Gurl: At first ;). Sorry, some people wanted Love. Anyway, thanks for reviewing.
I see ppl: Thanks for your review, it will all be explained, don't worry about it.
Ron: Yeah, some people voted for Ginny in love and some for a spell. Maybe she's under a spell now, but falls in love with him later.
WolfKeeper989: I don't know, some people voted love some voted spell. (Read above review reply) Thanks for reviewing and I hope you like this next chapter.
Andrea: WOW! Thanks. I hope you like this chapter, too. Review again. I'm already at 75! Wow, I just hoped someone would read it! ;)
Shdurrani: Thanks, my dad is better, he's getting his cast sometime in a week or so. Thanks for your review.
El Zero (again): Thanks, lol. Good point about that though. Thanks for reviewing, again. ;)
Linzay04: Thanks, he's better. Anyway, thanks for your review. I hope you like this chapter.
Shinji-Higurashi: Thanks, I think so too. I have to please the readers, It's going to be both. Spell now, love later. Thanks for reviewing. R&R again.
I hope you all like it, please review, I'll probably get the next chapter up in a day. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE review! I'll give you a cookie. XOXO
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