Problems in Paradise
Lost in thought, Harry stared at the ceiling of his sad excuse for a room located at the Dursley's house. It was hard to imagine that just a week ago, he had been at Hogwarts, with Ron and Hermione. Now he was in a place that he wouldn't wish his worst enemy to go...well maybe. Where he really wanted to be was at Hogwarts, with his friends. And as he had been reminding himself all summer, he would be. Granted he had to wait all summer, but it at least gave him something to hope for. If it weren't for his friends and school, he probably would've gone and jumped in front of oncoming traffic, long before.
In the midst of all his thinking, he saw Hedwig circling outside his window. As Harry lifted it up, Hedwig came swooping in, landing on her cage. She obediently held out her leg; Harry untied the letter.
Dear Harry,
How are you doing? I really hope that the Dursley's aren't treating you as bad...I'm trying to find a way for you to get out of there, so just hold on for a while. I promise you won't have to spend all summer there. As soon as I talk to Dumbledore and Sirius, I will let you know. Please owl back...I'm worried about you... I haven't heard from you all summer.
Love From,
Hermione
Harry smiled lightly as he folded the letter back up, hoping that Hermione's words were true. Would he really get to leave this hellhole? He stood up and retrieved some parchment, a quill, and a bottle of ink from a loose floorboard. He sat down and started to write, pausing every few seconds in thought.
Dear Hermione,
Thanks for writing, at least someone has! My summer's been lousy. I hope that yours is going well. I appreciate you talking to Sirius and Dumbledore; I really need to get out of this place! The Dursley's are unbearable! I really hope that I can see you and Ron soon!
Sincerely,
Harry
After reading and re-reading the letter he sealed it and tied it to Hedwig's outstretched leg. Subsequent to sending her off, he sat back down on his bed.
He had no sooner lied his head down, than he heard the raw voice of his Uncle Vernon.
"BOY! GET DOWN HERE AND MAKE OUR LUNCH!"
Harry rolled his eyes and stood up, grumbling all the way down the stairs.
He made them Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, and Tomato soup without complaints, knowing that no matter how much complaining he did, he would always lose.
The Dursley's talked amongst themselves at dinner, pointedly ignoring Harry, as usual. In their opinion Harry was lucky, that they even gave him food, let alone allowing him to sit at the dinner table!
They had long since finished their meal, and Harry was now cleaning the family room. Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley were all outside playing croquet. (Another attempt by Aunt Petunia to get him to slim down.) In the midst of his vacuuming he had thought that he heard the phone ringing. Sure enough as soon as he flipped the off switch, the annoying ring persisted.
He looked around and then decided to answer the phone himself.
"Dursley Residents," Harry said in an odd voice.
"Harry?" The voice made Harry's mouth fall open.
"Hermione? Is that you?"
"Harry! It's so great to talk to you!" Hermione exclaimed on the other end of the line.
"You have no idea how glad I am to hear your voice." Harry was now smiling broadly.
"Listen, Harry...I talked with everyone. They've decided that rather than watching you suffer at the Dursley's that you can come to Grimmauld Place for the summer...that is if you want to."
"Are you kidding? When can I leave?" Harry burst out. Hermione laughed.
"Well, there should be a portkey arriving there in about a half hour. Will you be ready?"
"Yeah." Harry smiled, glad that he would be leaving so soon.
What about your Aunt and Uncle? Have you asked them? What if they don't let you come?" Anxiety suddenly struck Hermione's voice.
"Fuck them! I'm coming no matter what they say!" Harry nearly yelled.
Hermione laughed, "I'll let your insolence pass this time..."
"Insolence? I wasn't being...Oh well I guess...kinda," Harry joked. Hermione's laugh turned into a sigh.
"I'll be waiting for you," She said softly.
"Alright. I'll be there soon! Bye Hermione."
"Buh bye!"
He hung up the phone, and raced up the stairs to pack. Harry stuffed everything he owned into his Hogwarts trunk and then buckled it shut. Pacing the room for the remaining fifteen minutes made it seem like hours, until finally a large owl flew in the already open window. He untied the package from its leg and opened it. Inside there was a book, and a note. Harry flipped through the book and discovered that there was no title and the pages were blank. He took out the piece of paper, which read:
Dear Harry,
Whenever you're ready to leave, hold the book and simply say Portus. You'll be transported straight to Grimauld Place. Good Luck!
Love From,
Hermione
Harry balanced his trunk, Hedwig's Cage, and the book, to where he was in contact with each, and said "Portus."
"Harry, are you okay?" Sounded Hermione's worried voice.
Harry's eyes fluttered open to see that he was in his usual room at Grimmauld Place, with Hermione's frantic eyes boring into his own.
"Yeah...Yeah I'm fine..." Harry ignored the aching pain in the back of his head and stood up.
"If your sure..." Hermione said softly; Harry nodded. She was silent for a moment, before encompassing Harry in a hug. "It really is good to see you...again," she said softly.
Getting past his perplexity, he slid his arms around her waist and hugged her back. "It's great to see you too!" He whispered. As she released her grip on him, Harry turned to see Ron standing in the corner looking out into space.
"Hey Ron!" Harry said walking toward him.
"Oh hey Harry," Ron said distantly. His eyes seemed to be caught on the hardwood floor. Harry turned to Hermione, who shrugged.
Ron walked out of the room, and for no apparent reason slammed the door harshly.
"Listen Harry, I need to talk to you," Hermione said in almost a whisper, Harry nodded.
"Your depression at the Dursley's is not the only reason we wanted you to come here," Hermione said, clearly trying to keep her voice down. Harry just listened with a confused look upon his face.
"Ron...he...well I went into his room and found him doing...doing..." Tears formed in Hermione's eyes. Harry bit his lip and rested his hand on her shoulder.
"Doing what?" He asked quietly.
"Harry he was snorting Cocaine..." Hermione said in a hushed voice, the tears now rolling silently down her cheeks. Harry was shocked.
"He's doing drugs now?" Harry asked incredulously. Hermione nodded.
"When did he start?" Harry was now yelling, and looked quite angry.
Hermione gulped, and shook her head, tears now streaming rapidly.
"I'm sorry Harry! I don't know!" she said almost looking scared. Harry slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him, stroking her hair soothingly.
"I'm sorry Hermione... I didn't mean to yell. I just can't believe it! I mean Ron of all people! He's always been against that kind of stuff!" Harry's voice calmed her.
Hermione nodded against his chest.
"Listen to me Hermione, I want you to just act normal around Ron. Don't even mention drugs, because he could get violent. I'll take care of getting him cleaned up, savvy?"
Hermione again nodded. "I guess... Come on...why don't you go down and say hi to Sirius!" She said trying to perk up.
Harry smiled and followed her out the door.
"Is he here?" They heard Sirius call from downstairs. "Yeah he's coming down!" Hermione yelled back, as they started down the stairs.
Harry saw that Sirius was standing at the bottom of the stairs as they approached the landing.
"Harry!" Sirius gave his godson a hug. "Come to the kitchen and have some dinner!" He said as they approached the kitchen. "Is Ron going to eat?" Sirius said as they finished setting the table.
Hermione quickly glanced at Harry; "I don't think so."
They ate in silence until finally Sirius spoke up, "Listen...Lupin is moving tomorrow, and I was wondering if you kids would be too terribly upset if I went down and helped him."
They both shook their heads. Sirius smiled, "Great...but it'll probably take four or five days...and I'm going to leave way before you two will be up tomorrow..."
"Okay," they said in unison.
"You know, there's something I've been meaning to ask you!"
Hermione looked up at Sirius, "What's that?"
"Is something bothering Ron? Because he's been acting a little...funny lately," Sirius stated softly.
Hermione shook her head vigorously. "No! He's fine!"
Sirius shrugged, and stared at them awkwardly. "If you say so..."
"Well I think I'm gonna get to bed," Sirius said after cleaning off his dishes.
He left the room and went to his bedroom. Hermione got up, as well as Harry, "I'm going get some sleep too..." He said; Hermione nodded. They each went to their rooms, quickly falling asleep.
Harry opened his eyes the next morning to find that the sun was high up in the sky, and his alarm clock was flashing 11:35. He swung his legs over the side of his bed, and walked across the room to his trunk, his feet slapping on the hard wood floor. He pulled out a pair of jeans and a blue and white T-shirt, and slipped them on. His hand reached for the knob and opened the door to reveal Hermione's still tired eyes staring back at him.
"Hey...I was just coming to see if you were up yet...clearly you are," Hermione said blushing. Harry laughed.
"Really...am I?" He said, pretending to be surprised. Hermione smiled, and lightly hit him on the arm.
"Listen Hermione, I think I'm going to go talk to Ron this morning... so don't go near his room okay?" Harry said quickly. He turned to walk away, but Hermione stepped in front of him.
"Wait!" Hermione whispered.
"What?" Harry asked calmly.
"Can't I come? I'm his friend too!"
Harry quickly shook his head, "No! You could get hurt, just stay here!"
"You could get hurt just as easily as I!" Hermione argued.
"But you're a-" Harry started, but stopped with a hostile look from Hermione.
"Girl! I'm a girl! Harry... that shouldn't even matter! Just because I'm a girl...I'm weak, am I? Well you know what, go talk to Ron! Just go!" Hermione yelled, and started down the hall.
"Hermione, wait!" Harry grabbed her arm, "That's not what I meant at all!" She struggled loose of his grip and disappeared down the hall. He sighed, but decided he would talk to Ron now, and give Hermione some time to cool off.
Harry didn't bother knocking on Ron's door, but opened it himself to reveal Ron sitting in a chair staring into space.
"Ron?"
"Oh hey Harry!" Ron replied breaking out of his trance.
"We need to talk," Harry said firmly.
"About what?" Ron stood up.
"What do you think...is there anything you've been keeping from Hermione and I?" Harry demanded.
"What's wrong with you, man! You just come in my room and start interrogating me! And I thought you might just be stopping by to talk!" Ron yelled.
"I do wanna talk! I wanna talk about your damn drug addiction!" Harry's temper was rising.
"Get out of my fucking room! Go!" Ron yelled. He picked up a book and threw it in Harry's direction, just missing his head.
Harry said nothing, but turned and walked out, closing the door behind him.
He went to his room and sat down on his bed.
Great now both Ron and Hermione hate me! He thought, running his hands through his hair. Harry sighed and leaned back, his head hitting the pillow. A few minutes later, he was out.
Harry's eyes fluttered open; he looked at the clock. It was already 11:12 p.m.
I better go apologize to Hermione... He thought.
Meanwhile Hermione: 11:00 P.M.
After dwelling in her room for a fair few hours, Hermione popped her head out of the door, and walked into the family room. There she saw Ron sitting in a large armchair by the fire.
"Hey Hermione!" He said in a friendly voice.
He sounds regular...maybe he's not high... She thought.
Ron stood up and walked over to Hermione.
"Hey Hermione...can I talk to you about something..." Ron asked meekly.
It's gonna be about his addiction! She excitedly thought.
"Sure Ron! Anything!"
"Okay...well I kinda been meaning to tell you something...I uh...I kinda...like you as more than a friend..." he said hopefully.
Hermione frowned, "Oh Ron! I'm sorry...but...I don't exactly feel the same way about you..."
Ron sighed, "Oh...well...Can I try to change your mind...can I kiss you?"
Hermione gulped, "Oh...well...I suppose..." Before she was ready, Ron grabbed her and kissed her roughly.
Hermione pulled away. "Sorry I didn't feel anything."
"Give me another try." Ron said leaning back in.
"I don't think so..." she turned to walk away.
"Don't you walk away from me!" Ron said turning her around.
"Get off me!" She said defensively.
Ron slapped her.
Hermione gasped. "Ron listen to me! You don't wanna do this...your on drugs!"
She struggled to loosen herself from his grip, but his hand was wrapped tightly around it.
"Get the hell off me!" she yelled, "Harry! Harry help!"
Ron covered her mouth with his hand. "Stop yelling, or I'm going to have to hurt you!"
"You're already hurting me!" Hermione said in a muffled voice.
Back to HarryHarry got up and left his room, heading for Hermione's room, but stopped when he heard a noise. He ran downstairs toward the screaming.
"Hermione!" he yelled running toward her. With a fight from Ron he pulled Hermione from his grip, held her in his arms and stroked her arm soothingly. Hermione was shaking and crying hysterically.
"Shh, you're safe now," He said in a pacifying voice.
Harry turned to Ron, "I'm gonna give you sixty seconds to explain yourself, before I come over there and kick your unbearably stupid ass!"
"You wanna hear the truth? You want me to be brutally honest?" Ron asked.
Harry tightened his grip on Hermione and nodded.
"I beat her, cause she wouldn't listen to me!" Ron said simply.
Harry set Hermione down on the couch, and lunged at Ron.
"You're fucking dead!" His anger raised, as he punched Ron in his nose causing blood to come trickling down his face. Hermione's breath hitched, and she started crying hard again.
Ron ignored the pain, and threw his fist toward Harry's face. Hermione gasped as Ron's knuckles came in contact with Harry's eye. In return Harry pushed Ron to the ground and continued violently, hitting Ron's face. He pushed Harry off and stood up, as did Harry.
Harry took a step forward, when Hermione suddenly screamed, "Stop fighting, the both of you!
"You know what Harry? You win!" Ron said backing off.
"You're damn right, I win!" Harry yelled.
"You get it all! The girl! The fame! The money! The looks! Just take it!" And with that Ron started toward his room.
"Ron!" Hermione called, but he was already gone. Harry turned to Hermione's shivering silhouette sitting on the couch. He walked over to her and sat down, gathering her back in his arms. She rested her head on his chest as he slid his arms around her waist.
"How's your eye?" She said reaching up and lightly running her finger over his not yet black eye lid. He flinched.
"Sorry!" Hermione whispered.
"It's fine...I'm just being a baby." Harry said shaking his head.
"Harry, you are not...this is going to be a major cut! In fact, you should get it cleaned up tonight," Hermione got up and pulled Harry's arm.
"Come on! I'll help you!"
Harry reluctantly got up and followed Hermione into the kitchen.
"Sit down, I'll be right back!" Hermione said softly. She wandered into the pantry and began looking for the peroxide. As soon as she found it, Hermione dumped a little into a bowl, grabbed a washcloth and headed back toward the table.
She dipped the cloth into the bowl and began dabbing it on the cut.
Harry again winced, "Is it supposed to feel like your skin's on fire?"
Hermione smiled, "Yes, that's perfectly normal."
Harry sat there, enduring the rest of the cleaning, trying hard not to wince.
"There!" Hermione said once the cut was clean.
"We're done cleaning now, right?" Harry asked nervously. Hermione smiled and nodded.
"Good!" Harry got up.
"I'm going to get to bed, you should do the same." Harry said softly.
As he turned to walk away Hermione stopped him, "Harry!"
Harry turned, "Hmm?"
"Umm..." She took a step toward him, "Would you stay with me tonight? I'm just a little worried about Ron..."
Harry moved toward her, "Of course."
Hermione smiled, "Thanks...I know, who's the baby now, right?" She looked away.
Harry took another step forward, as his hand fell upon her shoulder, "Hermione, you have every right to be afraid! What Ron did to you was...awful!" Hermione smiled, as they absently began walking toward the living room.
Harry sat down in the recliner and pulled Hermione onto his lap. She nestled her head against his shoulder, and draped one hand across his chest.
"Harry what are we going to do about Ron? I mean if he continues on like this," Hermione shivered.
"I don't even want to think about it!" Harry ran a finger up and down her arm.
"We'll deal with it tomorrow...don't worry so much. Get some sleep!"
"I guess!" Hermione said closing her eyes.
"Good night, Hermione," Harry sighed, closing his own eyes.
"'Night Harry!" Hermione smiled, keeping her eyes closed.