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'))
Here's the eighteenth installment of Harry Potter and the Year of Realizations. I'm glad you all (well, most of you) like it. I'm really quite proud of it. Anyway, I hope you like this chapter. Again, this chapter is going to be 3,500 words instead of 3,000. Thanks to Amber, (aka) PinkPixieDust16. I'll try to make it 4,000, but, well, that's a lot! I hope that this doesn't get too complicated. I can already tell it's going to be hard to keep up with the story line later on, but I'll try my best to tough it out for the fans.....WOW, I have fans! Cool.
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Chapter Eighteen: The Sleep-Ins
PREVIOUSLY:
Ron trudged back to the common room, very confused about Harry and Hermiones strange behavior. He decided against better judgment that he would wait until tomorrow to find out where the hell Ginny was and what was going on with Harry and Hermione. He walked in to find Harry sitting next to Hermione on the couch. They looked very.....comfy. They didn't even seem to notice his presence. He stood there for a minute thinking to himself. They're just sitting there, nothing weird about that, they ARE best friends, and if I was there, I'd be sitting there too. Maybe she's just tired and rested her head against him, it's absolutely nothing! He assured himself. All doubt was gone from his mind about a millisecond later when Harry leaned down and kissed Hermione on the lips. Ron turned his heel and slammed the common room door.
Harry and Hermione jumped. They both stood up so fast you'd think the couch was on fire. RON! They thought in unison as they rushed out the door.
Harry and Hermione took off down the stairs. When the got to the landing Hermione grabbed Harry's arm to stop him from running any further. "Harry, I think we should just let him go, maybe he just needs some time to...process it." Hermione said in that all-knowing voice that Harry loved so much. "Yeah, I'm sure you're right." Harry said taking a sudden interest in his shoes. Hermione continued, "Also, I'm tired, and we do have classes tomorrow." Harry rolled his eyes and Hermione punched him playfully in the arm.
Hermione suddenly got a serious face. "Harry?" Harry turned to her. He knew exactly what she was going to say. Before Hermione could continue Harry stopped her. "'Mione, I'm sorry about that, I just...I don't know what came over me...I'm sorry." Harry said, looking back down at his oh-so- interesting shoes. "No, Harry, it's okay...I...It just surprised me is all." She said slowly, as if trying to figure it out herself. She loved Harry, yes, and she liked the kiss, duh, but Harry was her...her...boyfriend? Hermione looked down. "Harry, I think I'm going to go to bed, I'm very tired." She said quietly as she walked back up the stairs. He watched her walk up to the portrait and utter 'phoenix'. She stepped inside and shut the portrait behind her.
Harry sat down on the stairs and put his head in his hands, running his fingers through his jet black hair. Stupid stupid stupid! He scolded himself as his smacked himself in the head. "Why did you kiss her?!? She still your best friend, you need to respect that." Harry said to himself, disappointed.
Harry stood up and trudged back to the Head Boy/Girl room and muttered the password and walked in. Hermione was lying under her covers. She so cute when she's sleeping, actually, she's cute when she's doing anything. Harry mentally kicked himself and flopped into bed. He laid there on top of the covers until he drifted off into a comfortable sleep.
Mrs. Granger leaned back onto the couch and rubbed her temples. "God, why, why does this have to happen to me?" She said to herself in an exasperated tone. She got up and walked up the spiral staircase. Mr. Granger was in the upstairs living room. She walked by, pretending not to notice him. She walked in their room and locked the door. Mr. Granger will be sleeping on the couch tonight.
Ron fell asleep in the great hall that night, dreaming that scene in the common room over and over again. He shifted and yawned, but stayed asleep until later that morning.
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Ron woke to a tapping feeling on his shoulder, he opened his eyes and nearly fell off the bench. There was Luna, about 12 inches from his face. Now, it wasn't that he couldn't get used to seeing her face every morning, he just wasn't...yet He thought to himself. No! Ron, she's Loony Luna, you can't like...her. "Good morning, Ronald." Ron yawned sleepily, "Good morning. Would you happen to know the time?" He asked casually. Luna picked up his arm. "Oh." Ron said blushing and looking down at his watch. Luna smiled. 7:30! Ron thought frantically, his first class started in 30 minutes! "Thanks for waking me up!" Ron said as he ran out of the great hall and rushed for the common room.
Ginny woke up and realized she had not gotten much sleep last night. She cringed as she remembered why. She had dreamed about the...events of the night before since she closed her eyes. She also realized she had only gotten three hours of sleep and she probably looked like crap and would fall asleep in her classes. She grabbed her brush and immediately dropped it, feeling a stinging sensation in her hand.
She had walked out into the hall and then walked calmly back into the Slytherian common room. She remembered smiling at Hermione before slapping Draco as hard as she could before turning her heel and walking back out the door.
She grabbed her brush again, ignoring the protest from her hand and quickly brushed her hair. She grabbed her books for her first class, Potions. Just what I want to see early in the morning on a Monday, Snape. She shuddered and strode out the door headed for the dungeons.
Draco woke up. He breathed out heavily remembering the events of the earlier morning. He hoped he did not have any classes with 'the trio' as they were now called frequently. He quickly put on his robes and gelled down his hair (I know in the third movie he doesn't, but he looked sooo much better when he did). He grabbed his book and headed down to DADA.
Harry woke with a start when he felt someone tapping his shoulder. "Harry, Harry, wake up." He heard a voice say. He opened his eyes and saw Hermione still trying to wake him up. "Okay, Okay, I'm up." He said quickly. "Geez, you're jumpy." She said giggling. "Well, you have to be when you live with Uncle Vernon, unless you're Dudley, Aunt Petunia, Aunt Marge, the Masons.....or Ripper." Harry replied, naming every person he could think of that had ever visited the Dursleys that he could remember at least. Hermione giggled. Harry frowned. "Oh, I so sorry, it's just, why did you put up with it for so long? I mean, I'm sure you could be Dudleys ass."
Harry had an astonished look on his face. "That's has got to be the first time I have EVER heard you swear Hermione Granger." Hermione looked offended. "I think you must be punished" he said smirking. Hermione shrieked as Harry grabbed one of his pillows and jumped out of bed. He chased her across the room and she had grabbed a pillow off her bed. She was cornered when she saw that on their desks their journals were glowing. She stopped and Harry looked where Hermione was staring. They walked over and grabbed their journals, carefully studying it before opening it.
Ron rushed out of the common room, seeing Ginny rushing out in front of him. He sprinted all the way to the DADA classroom. He hoped he wasn't late. He opened the door quickly. He realized if he was here seconds later he would have been late. He quietly sat down in an empty seat in the front row.
Hermione was the first to open hers and the first row on her schedule was glowing. Her eyes widened and she checked her watch. She turned to Harry who was just now opening his journal. "Harry, it's 8:15!" She said quickly as she rushed to grab her books. Harry made a mad dash for his books as well, taking his journal with him. He grabbed Hermiones as well. They dashed out the door, not saying a word as the sprinted for the DADA classroom.
Harry and Hermione were not aware of their questionable appearance as they ran into the DADA doors, completely out of breath. Hermione walked up to the front of the classroom, 28 pairs of eyes on her less than tidy appearance. There were whispers of which Hermione could hear very little, but could tell that they were about her. She took a seat by Ron. She had hoped she wouldn't have to, but it turns out that there were no other seats in the whole classroom. Harry walked in after her, hearing the whispers, but all hushed when he walked through.
His hair was even more wild than usual and his clothes weren't on straight and were very wrinkled. His glasses were a little bent and he looked extremely tired. Harry could hear Draco snickering, almost sensing that he was talking about them. How could they think that he would take advantage of Hermione like that? He would never! Not that Hermione would let him. He mentally kicked himself as he sat down beside Hermione, wishing that Ron wasn't in their first class.
Professor Lupin was trying to get the class to settle down for the next 5 minutes, but was failing miserably. "WOULD YOU ALL JUST PIPE DOWN!" He said rather loudly. The whole class looked as if he was about to explode. They hadn't expected this from Lupin. Lupin smiled at Harry and Harry smiled back. He got a stern look on his face. "May I ask why the two of you were late?" He asked. "Slept in." Said Harry and Hermione in unison. They looked down at their books and blushed. Lupin couldn't possibly think that Harry...or Hermione for that matter, would do such a thing. Lupin just frowned. "May I see you after class, Harry?" He said, as if very disappointed.
Harry couldn't remember Lupin ever being this angry with him. The only time he could remember him ever even being disappointed in him was in third year when he didn't turn in the Marauder's Map. The class went by rather quickly, considering Malfoy's constant snickers that Lupin had ignored, and Ron's penetrating glares every few minutes. Hermione had given him a sympathetic look and then turned her attention to Lupin, not wanting to get yelled at again. After all, she WAS a teacher's pet and was not accustomed to being yelled at by teachers.
After class Harry sheepishly walked to the front of the classroom while Hermione looked at him again as if to say 'sorry'. And walked out of the classroom, Ron at her heels. Harry got to Lupin's desk and waited for a punishment to be made. However, when everyone had left the classroom but Malfoy, who had wanted to stay to see Harry being punished, Lupin told him he'd better get to his next class. "Sit down, Harry." Lupin said, his voice a lot kinder than it had been when he had yelled at him in the beginning of class.
Harry sat down, looking at the floor. "Harry, you aren't in trouble." He said, as if it was very obvious. Harry looked up at him very confused. "But, I was fifteen minutes late." Harry said, not really getting the hint. "Oh, no Harry, I'm just so glad to see you, I haven't really gotten a chance to talk to you since...Well, you know." He said sadly. Harry sighed. "It's getting easier and easier to talk about it. He's in a better place now. He's with my dad." Harry said sadly, but not without keeping a smile. Lupin took the hint.
Harry didn't really want to bring that whole subject up again. He smirked. "What are you smirking at." Harry asked, furrowing his brow. Lupin smiled. "So, why were you late...really?" He asked, quirking his brow. Harry's mouth dropped open. "Professor!" He said in an almost disappointed tone. Lupin smiled. "So, what IS going on between you and Hermione?" He asked casually. "Well..." Harry said wondering how to word it, "We are...we're...Hermione and I...we're soul..." He trailed off, realizing how stupid he must sound." Lupin looked at him knowingly. "Soulmates?" He asked, like it was an everyday kind of thing. "Well, yeah, but, wait, how did you..." Lupin cut him off. "Harry, your mother and father were soulmates." Lupin explained.
Hermione walked out of the classroom. Ron grabbed her shoulder. Hermione turned around, half expecting it to be Harry. She frowned, realizing it was Ron. She did not want to do this right now. "Ron..." Ron cut her off. "Hermione, why couldn't you and Harry tell...me?" He asked sheepishly. "Ron, it's not that we couldn't, per say. It's just we didn't know how you'd react." She looked down. "Well, I wouldn't have been angry." He said, his temper rising. Hermione gave him a pointed look. Ron looked down. "Hermione, I'm not really angry about...that...maybe a little taken aback, but not angry. I'm only angry at the fact you and Harry didn't think I could handle it."
Hermione looked at him. "Ron, it's not like it wasn't expected...we're...well, you know." She said, blushing. Ron grinned. "Well, yeah, but walking in on your two best friends and finding them snogging each other to death is a little...shocking." He said smirking. "I think you're exaggerating, Ron." She said, blushing again. "Well, maybe a little, but still." Ron smirked. "Well, I better get to my next class." Hermione said quickly. "Hermione, we're going to the same place." Ron said, laughing. Hermione walked around the corner quickly. Ron followed and they got there just in time.
Hermoine groaned as she realized she was once again signed up for Divination. Why couldn't Harry just quit? She walked into class and took a seat opposite of Lavender. Mostly because she did not want to hear Ron make sarcastic comments about Harry and herself. She quickly regretted sitting across from Lavender when she leaned over and whispered to Hermione. "Hey, we all want to, since Cho is a bitch and won't talk to us, is Harry a good kisser?"
Lavender said, as if was a very common thing to ask someone. Hermoines eyes widened. How do things travel around so quickly around here? She asked herself. "I really think that is none of your business." Hermione replied flatly. Lavender was taken aback, but quickly jumped right back in. "Please, I bet Parvati 5 galleons you'd say he was." Hermiones eyes widened again. "That much?!?" She asked, disbelieving. "Yeah. Now spill." She said again. Hermione rolled her eyes. "Of coarse he is." Hermione said grinning ear to ear.
Lavender turned around and whispered to Parvati. Parvati said what sounded like very much like a swear word even Hermione would not repeat. Parvati passed 5 galleons to Lavender and Lavender put it into her robes, smiling evilly. Hermione was busy watching them when Professor Trelawney walked over to them. "Am I interrupting something?" She asked slowly. "Oh, no, nothing." Hermione said in an overly sweet voice. "Oh, you're back, are you?" Trelawney asked acidly.
Trelawney suddenly went rigged. "THIS NIGHT HE WILL COME...HE WHO WAS DESTROYED AT THE HANDS OF THE DARK LORD'S SERVANTS THE NIGHT OF THE PROFECY'S END.HE WILL RETURN, BUT NO WITHOUT REASON. INNOCENCE WILL BE PROVEN AND HE SHALL PREVAIL...BUT AT A COST. Trelawney spoke this in a voice that sounded very unlike her own, the voice was sort of echoed and sounded like a bunch of voices combined. The whole class looked scared half to death. Neville looked as if he was about to faint and Hermione's mouth was hanging open, she knew exactly what Trelawney was talking about. Trelawney came out of her trance and was hacking and rubbing her throat as if she had a hairball.
Harry looked at Lupin again. "I grew up with them when it happened." He said. "Oh." Was all Harry had to say. "Harry, what's wrong." Lupin asked in a concerned tone. "Well, I...I think that I'm...Well, it's rather quite personal." He said, giving up the struggle to word it. Lupin frowned. "Well, that's okay." He said looking down. "It's not...you. It's just I haven't really admitted to myself yet." Harry said quietly. "Harry, you can tell me, I swear, I won't tell a soul." Lupin smiled. Harry looked at him. "I think that I could...well, I could possibly be...I may be...I think I'm falling in love with Hermione." Harry said quickly.
Ginny walked out of Care of Magical Creatures and towards the common room, this was her free hour. She rounded the corner and spotted Draco, who was trying to keep his face hidden from the rest of the world. Apparently, the hand mark hadn't gone anywhere. Ginny smiled to herself. She walked by and felt a twinge. Almost as if Draco was calling her. She tried to control her body but it turned around and headed straight back for Draco. She couldn't seem to control herself. She walked up to him and kissed him full on the lips. Draco just stood there a stupid grin on his face, and Ginny walking away, blushing to herself.
Ron saw Luna on the other side of the classroom. This was the only class he had with her. She smiled at him and Ron smiled back. He watched her write occasional notes and every once in a while she'd steal a glance at him. Ron slouched back in his chair and sighed audibly enough that Hermione elbowed him in the ribs. Ron let out a small 'ow' and tore his gaze away from Luna.
Harry looked down at the floor. Lupin just laughed. Harry looked back up at him. If looks could kill...well, let's just say they'd be searching for a new DADA teacher...again. "What's so funny?" Harry asked between clenched teeth. "Oh, it's just, well, of coarse you are." Lupin said still laughing. "And why, might you say, is that?" Harry asked, still quite angry at Professor Lupin for laughing at him.
"Well, you are soulmates, you're destined to fall in love." Lupin said simply. Harry furrowed his brow. "So, she's falling in love with me?" Harry asked, a glint of hope in his emerald eyes. "How wouldn't she be?" Lupin asked smiling down at Harry as though he were his own son.
Hermione rushed out of the classroom, leaving a clueless Ron behind. She ran down the corridors and straight to the DADA classroom. Hoping to God he was still there. She burst in the door. "HARRY!" She yelled. "Professor." Hermione leaned down, putting her hands on her knees. "Hermione, what is it, Harry asked worriedly. "It's Sirius, he's coming back!" Hermione said frantically.
Hey, I got to 4,000! YEA! (dances around the room). Anyway, I hope you liked it. I know it was a day late, but I had a sort of writers block. Anyway, I hope you like and please review. They make my days good. And hey, if they are flattering enough, I just might make it 4,500 words per chapter, we'll see. Please review. Thanks.
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Thanks for your reviews:
PinkPixieDust16: Thanks, lol. Thanks, I think I update pretty fast, considering I've waited over two months for some people to update their stories. Draco is an ass, well, yes, but that will change later on...a little. (wink wink).
Linzay04: Yeah, I agree. Thanks for your constant reviews! Thanks, the vacation was much needed. Anyway, I'm glad you liked the last chapter and I hope you like this one too. I'm trying to tie up some of the loose ends. Not so I can finish this, but so I can get into the rest of the story, I don't want to have too many things going at once.
FireWings1: Thanks, I'm just as excited as you, I don't have this whole story planned out yet, but I'm working on it. There will be a lot of chapters. I don't know exactly, but this is probably the only novel I'll be working on for a while. I'll probably write some ficlets and one-shots, but they should be good. Watch out for those. Thanks for reviewing. Enjoy.
Jess: Thanks, I think that Harry and Hermione have the best potential to be a real couple in the books. Ron...well, he's not really...well, Hermione and him fight too much and Harry is hott! Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter, review again.
Andrea: Thanks, and yes, Draco can be a prick... a lot. He's an ass, anyway, I hope you like this chapter. I'm trying to tie up some of the loose ends so I can get into the other aspects I have planned for this particular story.
Ron: Ron does have a girlfriend...Luna. Well, I haven't officially said Luna is his girlfriend...but..well, you know. There will be more about them later on. Thanks for reviewing. I hope that this wasn't too long a wait...(if it was, you aren't a very patient person...a person can only type for so long, and I was on vacation last time.) It was only a day. Thanks for reviewing.
Gemstar2: Thanks, lol. Draco seems to be the target in most of these reviews, Draco's silly, Draco's a prick, Draco's an ass. It's all very, trio like. Anyway, thanks for your review!
Icypeel: The update was not that long! It was less than a week, apparently you don't read very many stories on fanfiction.net...which is quite flattering, but besides the point. Why don't you write 4,000 word chapters a day, then tell me to update faster. Sheesh. Thanks for your review, I guess.
Shinji-Higurashi: Thanks, I'm trying to tie up all the loose ends at this point so I can get on with the story. The plot will be better in later chapters, so hang in there please, don't give up on me.
AthenaKitty: Thanks, that will all be answered in time, don't worry about it. Thanks for reviewing, and I hope you like this next chapter. I'm tying up all the loose ends so I can get into the rest of the story, so hang in there and thanks.
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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