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'))
I'm sorry this took so long, but the power went out and, well, I hadn't saved.
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Chapter Twenty-One: The Portal
PREVIOUSLY:
"No, that she's in love with him." Harry showed no emotion except shaking his head. "He put a love spell on her, he's in love with her, or at least he says he is." Harry said. "No, well, yes, he did, but he took it off of her before she fell asleep." Hermione explained. Harry sighed. He honestly just wanted Ginny away from that...that...ferret, whether or not they loved each other.
Harry shook his head. How could Ginny like Malfoy?!?!? They walked out of the common room and rounded the corner to the Head Boy Head Girl common room, hand in hand. Harry smiled to himself and wondered why he didn't realize this earlier. He could've spent 5 more years with her. Hermione was thinking to herself too. I can't be, no, bad Hermione. You CAN'T! He's famous, he's...Harry. You can't be in love with him. Hermione thought, her brow furrowed and a confused look on her face.
Harry stopped abruptly. "What?" He asked her slowly. Hermione blushed crimson. "nothing..." she muttered and let go of his hand, making her was through the portrait. Thank the heavens they remembered to do that spell because Hermione was avoiding Harry like the plague.
Ron walked back to the common room, a permanent smile fixated onto his freckled face. Luna was blushing to herself and was thanking the Gods that she didn't have to ask HIM and that he came up to her. She sighed and went back to reading her issue of The Quibbler.
Draco was in the Slytheran common room when he heard an urgent knock on the door. He got up, rubbing his temples because he had gotten quite a headache from all this thinking, oh, and the complicated spell he'd just performed. Although, as much as he'd not like to admit it, he was afraid that Harry would hex him into oblivion if he didn't take the spell off of Ginny.
He got to the portrait hole and opened it. As he looked up to see who it was he felt her lips being pressed onto his. She backed away, blushing red. Draco looked a little flustered when he opened his mouth. "What was that for?" He asked, trying to control his emotions. Ginny opened her mouth to speak but instead was being kissed by Malfoy. How could I have missed this before?!?!? She asked herself, mentally smacking herself in the head.
Ron got to the stair well and started walked up, his nerves finally catching up with him. He slowed down. The stairs moved but Ron didn't seem to notice, he walked down the stairs to a dark corridor he'd never seen before. He was just so caught up he didn't notice when he rounded the corner and looked up.
Had Harry heard what he'd thought he heard. No, there just...together. Not in...in..in love. Harry shook this off and walked into the portrait hole to their common room. "Hermione?" He asked. He heard a muffled sob in the other side of the room and walked over. "Hermione?" He asked again. He walked over to where he'd thought the sob sounded from. He walked around to a concealed part of the room. He walked in and turned back around.
A staircase was right in front of his nose. He heard another sob and peeked up the stairs. He walked cautiously up and up the spiral staircase until he saw Hermione sitting on the ledge of a beautiful balcony. ((A/N: No, she's not going to commit suicide)). The balcony wound its way around the curve of the tower. It was about 70 feet long and went out about 15. How come he'd never seen this before. He asked himself. Hermione didn't seem to notice he was there. He walked to her slowly and grabbed her around the waist so she wouldn't fall if she was startled. Hermione jumped a little when she felt hands work their way around he waist. Luckily she fell toward the hands and off to the floor of the balcony.
Hermione braced herself for an unpleasant landing, but none came. She looked up to the person who'd caught her and found herself staring into beautiful emerald green eyes with little specks of gold. She thought she'd melt right then and there. She felt so...so...complete, yes that's it, complete, in Harry's arms. There was an awkward silence as they stood there Harry holding Hermione in his arms and Hermione staring up at him with those cinnamon brown eyes.
"Ginny?!?!?" Ron yelled, trying to sound angry, but it came out as more of a squeak. Ginny heard the voice of her brother and jumped about 10 feet away from Draco. "MALFOY!!!" Ron ran at Malfoy at full force and speed, drawing his wand in the process. He yelled 'stupify' before he'd gotten close enough to throw a punch. Ginny saw his mouth move and a red beam shoot out of his wand. She jumped in front of Draco just in time to take the hit of the Stupify spell. Ginny landed at Dracos feet with a sickening 'thud'. Ron stopped mid-sprint when he realized what he'd just done. He dropped his wand and ran to them, forgetting about his anger at Draco to make room for anger at himself.
Harry stood up letting go of Hermione. He backed away a little and scratched the back of his neck. "Uh, we need to get to class." He muttered, looking down. Hermione nodded, still in a bit of a daze. They both blushed and made their way down to the common room. They gathered their things for Transfiguration and headed to the classroom.
The rest of Harry and Hermione's classes were basically uneventful. With Harry thinking about Sirius and what was going to happen in a few hours he wasn't really paying attention. Hermione, however, who was trying to pay attention was distracted when every 30 seconds or so she'd hear Harry's thoughts, which weren't very happy either. By the end of the class she'd only managed to take about 3 notes, one of them about the essay they were assigned, Twelve inches of parchment on Animagus. ((A/N: make that plural: Animaguses, Animagi?, w/e)) She rubbed her temples with her thumbs and folded up her parchment when class was dismissed.
Ron knelt down by Ginny and was muttering to himself. Draco, however, was staring down at Ginny in complete shock. He saw Ron try to lift her and knelt down beside him. "Um...let me help." He said softly and he picked up Ginnys' feet while Ron got her head. Ron wouldn't look Draco in the eye the whole way to the hospital wing.
Harry and Hermione made their way to Charms, an awkward silence surrounding them. Hermione still wouldn't talk to Harry and was staying at least 3 feet away from him at all times. Harry wasn't liking this much and hoped she sit by him in Charms. He was aware that he was distracting Hermione with his thoughts about Sirius but he couldn't help it. Harry was falling behind her fast paced walk and decided to say something. "Hermione?!? Wait up!" He yelled and ran the 10 feet between them to catch up. Hermione stopped, but didn't look back. "Hermione, what's going on?" Harry asked.
Harry had completely shrugged the whole fiasco in the hall because he thought it was just his imagination. Hermione would never love him, not the way he loved her anyway. Hermione just turned away when he tried to look her in the eye. "Hermione?" Harry asked. "hmmm?" She asked back. Trying to ignore his attempt at getting her attention. "What's going on?" He asked seriously. "I, um, Harry, it's nothing. I swear." She said, a smile forming on her face. She turned away from him and headed down to Charms.
Ron and Draco slammed through the hospital wing doors. Draco carried Ginny the rest of the way to the bed while Ron was looking around for Madam Pomfrey. Ginny was laying there silent when Madam Pomfrey came out of her office. "What happened?" She asked as she rushed over to Ginny. "Well, you see..." Ron tried to explain when Draco cut in. "They were practicing the 'stupify' spell in class and Ginny got hit by one. We were walking by the classroom and someone came out looking fro help. So we carried her here." Draco said coolly. Ron snickered, but turned it into a cough just in time. Draco was a compulsive liar, go figure
Harry decided he'd better stay back this time. They walked to Charms in silence and got there just in time. The only seats left were two in the very back They took their seats and sat through another boring charms class. They looked around for Ron but didn't see him anywhere. Hermione was busily taking notes due to Harry's thoughts being less and the fact he was taking notes too. But, was he? No, he wasn't taking notes at all.
Harry looked down at his parchment in frustration. He reread it and was planning on crumpling it up but decided against it. He read it again after a few changes and looked down at it, satisfied.
She was the window down,
And she talks over the sound
Of the cars that pass us by
And I don't know why,
But she's changed my life.
Would you look at her?
She looks at me
She's got me thinking about it constantly
But she don't know how I feel.
She carries on without a doubt
I wonder if she's figured out
I'm crazy for this girl,
Yeah, I'm crazy for this girl.
She was the one to hold me,
The night the sky fell down.
And what was I thinking when
the world didn't end
Why didn't I know then what I know now?
Would you look at her?
She looks at me.
She's got me thinking about it constantly
But she don't know how I feel.
She carries on without a doubt
I wonder when she'll figure out
I'm crazy for this girl,
Yeah, I'm crazy for this girl.
Right now
Face to face
All my fears
Pushed aside.
Right now
I'm ready to spend the rest of my life
with you.
Would you look at her?
She looks at me.
She's got me thinking about it constantly
But she don't know how I feel.
She carries on without a doubt
I wonder if she's figured out
I'm crazy for this girl,
Yeah, I'm crazy for this girl.
Would you look at her?
She looks at me.
She's got me thinking about it constantly
But she don't know how I feel.
She carries on without a doubt
I wonder when she'll figure out
I'm crazy for this girl,
I'm crazy for this girl.
He felt Hermione elbow him and realized she could've read the entire thing by now. Harry quickly put the parchment in his pocket. He looked at Hermione nervously but she didn't say or communicate in anyway that she knew anything. He breathed a quick sigh of relief and listened the rest of the class.
Madam Pomfrey looked at them with an annoyed look but obviously believed the whole story. Ron breathed a sigh of relief and watched as Madam Pomfrey gave Ginny a potion. Ginny slowly opened her eyes and looked around. She saw Ron and immediately gave him a dirty look. Rons' face fell and he trudged out of the room, obviously not wanted there.
Harry walked silently alongside Hermione towards their room stealing glances at her every minute or so then blushing furiously. He hoped he'd be able to play the guitar Hermione had gotten for him. He was happier than he'd been for a while but when he glanced at Hermione again silent tears were making their way down her face. Harry wanted nothing more than to wipe them away and kiss her senseless. Harry had been watching Hermione carefully and almost ran into the wall by the time he decided to say something. "Hermione?" He asked in a rather soothing voice.
Hermione looked up at him. "Harry, I'm sorry about the way I've acted these last few hours, but I've just been thinking a lot." She said in an apologetic voice. Harry nodded and put a hand on her shoulder. Hermione felt a tug on the corner of her mouth but was too upset to smile at the moment. "It's okay Hermione, really. But, what's bothering you, I can tell something's wrong." He said in a concerned voice. Hermione almost fell to her knees and started crying again. Luckily Harry was there and caught her as the found themselves in the afore mentioned manner. They blushed in unison.
Ron walked down the hall silently and headed for the common room, glad he'd missed his last class for the day. He made his way around the corner, but was staring at his shoes wishing he could go back in time to change what he'd done. He walked on ahead but ran into a walking figure with blonde hair. They collided and fell to the floor. Ron on top of Luna. He looked down at her and blushed furiously. Luna found herself in a very startling position but quickly realized she was gazing into blue orbs that she thought she'd very much like to let herself drown in. Ron scrambled up muttering 'sorry'. Luna watched from the floor in amusement as Rons face quickly changed to match his hair.
"Ronald, it's okay, I'm perfectly alright." She said in a rather dreamy voice and Ron snapped back to reality. "Oh I'm sorry, I was just...It was an acc...I..." Ron was in the middle of trying to explain his embarrassing predicament when he felt Lunas lips being pressed against his own. At first he was a little startled but soon relaxed when he felt Lunas arms work their way around his neck. His hands, now at her waist, tingled and his palms became sweaty.
They stood their for about two minutes, one minute their foreheads pressed together while their breathing slowed from ragged and heavy to a nice, calm rhythm. Ron suddenly felt as though he didn't care about his sister being with Malfoy, at the moment he was glad if she was feeling as great as he was now. He'd still beat the living daylights out of Malfoy, well, he might need a little help from Harry but he'd be glad to do it, if he hurt her, ever. He found himself deep in thought when Luna walked away, a blush on her face, smiling and waving good-bye. He waved back and turned, headed back for the hospital wing to apologize while he was in a good mood.
Harry and Hermione walked to Dumbledores office. Hermione smiled, giggling a little to herself as she said 'Flying Whizbees'. Harry smiled, happy that Hermione felt better. The statue, however, didn't move. Harry and Hermione looked at it, puzzled. Hermione turned to Harry. "That was the password wasn't it?" She asked slowly. They gargoyle jumped aside the second 'password' escaped her lips. They grinned in amusement and made their way up the stone staircase.
They got to the top to see Dumbledore standing there, a letter in his hands and Pig zooming around the room. Harry, seeing Pig, rushed over to Dumbledore, Hermione at his heels. "What is it?!" Hermione asked, an obviously note of alarm in her voice. Dumbledore handed her the letter and Harry watched her open it gingerly. Her cinnamon eyes zoomed through the parchment with silent tears streaming down her face. Harry put a hand on her shoulder.
He decided to respect her privacy and didn't read over her shoulder. She however, once-overed the page and handed it to Harry. She seemed in a bit of a state of shock by the time Harry had read the letter. "Hermione, I'm so sorry!" Harry said a tear dropping down his cheek. Hermione hearing a note of sympathy realized that this was really happening. She dropped to her knees. "no, no, not my dad, not daddy." Harry knelt down beside her.
Hermione looked into his eyes as if seeking permission. Harry nodded. Hermione buried her face in his chest and sobbed loudly for about ten minutes straight, Harry whispering words of sympathy and 'it'll be okay.' to her. Dumbledore watched this bittersweet moment with pain in his heart. Hermione stood up and brushed herself off. Harry did the same. "'Mione, are you sure you're going to be okay?" He asked slowly, tears threatening to overflow. No, he had to be strong, for her. "Yes, I...I think, I think I will be." Hermione said, her voice shaking, but stronger at the end.
Ron walked into the hospital wing to see Dracos hand in Ginnys. He seemed to be talking to her and she was smiling at him. He seemed a lot nicer than what he usually put off. They didn't seem to notice Rons presence until Ron chanced an 'ahem'. They turned to him and he walked slowly over to them. "Ginny, I'm sorry about the way I acted before, maybe it was shock. I don't know. All I know is I've given it a lot of thought in the past 10 minutes and I really just want you to be happy. I guess, if he makes you happy, then I'm okay with it." Ron said, swallowing his pride and smiling at Draco. Ginny looked at him, beaming. She made a gesture with her finger telling him to 'come here'. He walked closer to her and found himself embraced in a bear hug not unlike Mrs. Weasleys. She finally let him go when Draco stated he looked like he was turning purple.
Hermione, getting control of her sobs tried to focus on what Dumbledore was saying. "The portal should open any time now, it should open here and you may see people you know, but don't step in, if you do you won't be coming back out." Dumbledore said in a wise voice. Harry and Hermione nodded in understanding. Dumbledore walked out of the office leaving Harry and Hermione to themselves. Harry turned to Hermione. "'Mione, listen, it'll be okay. Your dad will be fine." Hermione turned to Harry, looking angry. "Harry, he WON'T be fine, he's in a coma, didn't you read this?" Hermione held up the letter. "Do you know how slim of a chance it'll be that he wakes up?" She yelled at him.
Harry backed up a few feet. "I'm sorry, I'm just trying to help." He said, looking at the floor. Hermione started crying again and Harry looked up. "Hermione? What is it? I'm sorry." Harry said, thinking it was his fault she was crying again. "Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean, I was just, I'm sorry." She said. Harry walked back up to her. "Hermione, it's okay, I know how you feel. It's okay, don't be worrying about me." He said giving her a hug. "I'm sorry, I just..." Hermione trailed off. "What?" Harry asked. Before he could answer Hermione pushed his chin the other direction. A bright white light was in the middle of the room.
They watched, eyes wide as it grew slowly. It was swirling quickly but slowing when it got as big as the wall of the office. Harry saw many faces go by that he didn't recognize. Hermiones grip on his hand was suddenly very tight when she pointed a man that looked exactly like Harry except his eyes, which were blue. Harry recognized him immediately. "Dad?" He asked slowly. "Hello, son." James beamed down at him, pride overtaking him. Harry stepped closer to the portal but felt a tug on his arm from Hermione. "I don't have much time, I just want to say how proud I am of you." James said smiling down at Harry. "Goodbye, son." James said as he drifted away and a girl with red hair and shockingly green eyes came into view.
Harry's mouth opened and closed a few times but then remained shut. "Hello, Harry." He eyes flicked toward Hermione. "You've got a good girl there, Harry, don't let her go." Lily said smiling down on both of them. They blushed. "Harry, I so wish I could have been there watching you grow up. I'm sorry for leaving you with my sister, but she's just, well, she has some problems with herself. I'm so proud of everything you've done, Harry. I love you." Harry managed to whisper 'I love you' before she again, drifted away. Another form and another form whisked by until one was thrown out of the portal across the room. Harry was standing there, a grin on his face and in a sort of trance.
Hermione rushed to the other side of the room as the white light disappeared into nothingness. "Harry?" Harry heard Hermione ask. Harry turned around to find himself face to face with his godfather.
OMG, I'm so sorry about it being so late! There was a storm here and the power went out. Unfortuantely I had not saved this chapter so far and I was more than halfway done, so I had to rewrite it. Again, I'm sorry, but I'm fully satisfied with this chapter and I hope you are to. Please R&R.
!!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! POLL ALERT !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!!
I don't know, you think of something. It's 2:30 in the fricken morning and I did this all for you because I would have been sleeping peacefully now, but instead I stayed up and rewrote this chapter for you all.
Thanks for your reviews:
PinkPixieDust16: Lol, thanks! I'm hoping to actually keep this promise! I was trying to get some more Harry and Hermione fluff in, so yay. Again, thanks.
Linzay04: Thanks, but this is actually my second, my first SUCKED! And I mean that, it was absolutely HORRID! Anyway, thanks for your review, but I'm going to get started on this chapter now. R&R again!
Geena Waters: Thanks, I realized I didn't want them to divorce, instead I'm going to... Well, I let you find that out for yourself laughs evilly. Thanks again, R&R!
Jess: Thanks, umm, I was going with a friend aka: Andrea to see some fireworks and wanted to post before I left. Also there will probably be around 40 to 50 chapters, possibly more. I'm going to have a hard time finishing this fic (. Cliffhangers are a part of the deal, sorry.
Andrea: Lol, thanks, btw, I LOVE your owl! I hope you like this chapter!
AthenaKitty: All will be answered, but yes to one at least. (. R&R again.
icypeel: Thanks, the Ginny stuff is fun to write and I have more in store for them a little later on. Anyway, thanks.
Twinkle25: Well, sort of. Anyway, I'm making this a longer chapter and don't have time for a long reply, review again and I promise a longer one! Thanks. R&R!
Shinji-Higurashi: Thanks, I don't know exactly what I'm going to do yet. And thanks, it's good to know that someone will read even if something happens they don't like. Anyway, thanks, and one more thing, what's the name mean, I just always wondered. Thanks R&R.
Ron: Thanks, that was the point, this is the big chapter, so everything, well, mostly, will be revealed. Thanks again, R&R!
I hope you all like it, please review, I'll probably get the next chapter up in a day or so. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE review! I'll give you a cookie. XOXO
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